'Youngsters Should Learn From Virat Kohli' - Gautam Gambhir

image-lniidvruVirat Kohli in action vs Australia [Twitter]

Gautam Gambhir heaped effusive praise on Virat Kohli, insisting the legendary Indian batter shall act as an inspirational figure for youngsters aspiring to play for the country. The former India opener lauded the modern-day maestro for his masterful knock of 85 in a tricky run-chase at his team's ICC World Cup 2023 opener against Australia. 

Gambhir was highly impressed with Kohli's innings construction after walking in with India in deep strife at 3 for 2 in their quest to overhaul Australia's 199 all out on a surface that offered late seam movement to the quicks and turned viciously at various stages for spinners. 

The 34-year-old right-hander brought all his experience into play and calmed the proceedings when Aussie pacers were on top by rotating the strike and moving the scoreboard judiciously before he and India's solid No.5 KL Rahul gained total control of the proceedings in their match-winning 165-run partnership.

Gambhir felt it was a masterclass for youngsters watching the great batter at the crease, especially how he shifted the pressure back to the bowlers without taking any risks when India could ill-afford another quick wicket. 

Gambhir's High Praise For Kohli After Chasing MasterClass 

Speaking about the impactful knock on Star Sports after India's six-wicket triumph to kickstart the World Cup on a high note, Gambhir felt Kohli was mighty influential to the initial part of his stand with Rahul as he played the sheet anchor and calmed the nerves at the other end. 

Gambhir noted the innings down as a tribute to Kohli's incredible fitness standards after he could minimise the risks and focus on rotating singles when most players would've been vulnerable of trying something extraordinary. 

"The youngsters should learn from Virat Kohli about fitness, running between the wickets, reducing the dot ball & putting pressure back on bowlers," Gambhir said. 

"Virat Kohli plays low-risk cricket. His dot ball percentage is very low, he keeps rotating the strike. Youngsters need to learn from him," he added. 

Kohli would've been extremely pleased to have made his mark early in the competition with a substantial effort in Chennai as he can now build on from here to potentially end with a massive World Cup campaign under his belt for India. The legendary player is India's second-highest run-getter in World Cup history behind numero uno Sachin Tendulkar.