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Gautam Gambhir: 'Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer Batted On A Different Planet'

image-lomszifgKohli & Shreyas shared a brilliant 134-run stand (AP Photo)

Gautam Gambhir was all praise for the excellent middle-order stand shared by modern-day legend Virat Kohli and his able partner Shreyas Iyer in India's comprehensive win over South Africa at the ICC World Cup 2023 in Kolkata on Sunday (November 5). 

The former India opener noted how the Kohli-Iyer stand unveiled itself on a "different planet", belying the strenuous nature of the Eden Gardens surface that offered spinners consistent grip and turn with seamers extracting uneven bounce off the good length region. 

After skipper Rohit Sharma played a valiant hand of 40 from just 24 deliveries to lay the right foundation, Kohli and Iyer brought their class and range to the fore during a match-winning stand of 134 runs for the third wicket. 

While Iyer overcame a slow start to eventually produce his best knock of the competition with 77 off 87 deliveries, Kohli stayed there deep into the Indian innings for a memorable 49th century in One-Day Internationals on his 35th birthday, levelling maestro Sachin Tendulkar's ODI hundreds tally.  


Gambhir Praises Kohli-Iyer Stand After India's Win

The great man's unbeaten 101 off 121, which was far from his best but an admirably gritty effort under pressure, allowed the rest of the pack to attack at their end and push Men in Blue to an intimidating 326/5 in 50 overs. 

A score that wouldn't have been possible had Kohli not bided through a phase when he was struggling for flow and India required a magnificent counterattack from Iyer against the South African spinners to recreate steam about their innings and ultimately push towards a huge total. 

"Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer batted on a different planet today. Spin was the real deal on that pitch and both of them batted exceptionally," Gambhir told host broadcaster Star Sports, noting down the exceptional performances and the partnership from India's critical middle-order duo. 

Later on, India's bowling attack dislodged the powerpacked South African batting unit for a jaw-dropping 83 all out in response to the challenging 327-run target, with experienced left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja hogging the limelight via a spectacular spell of 5 for 33 runs off his 9 overs. 

Team India continued a devastating winning streak, stretching it up to eight wins in the league stage to storm into the semifinal round. Rohit's men next face Netherlands on Sunday (November 12) before entering the knock-outs stage as they strive for the ultimate glory.