Virat Kohli has been India's talisman for over a decade now. The 35-year-old batter is widely regarded as the best in this generation. Having matched Sachin Tendulkar's levels on some fronts, Virat Kohli has arguably been India's best batter for quite some time now.
He has delivered for India on numerous occasions. Scoring over 25000 runs over a 15-year-long career, Kohli has had his own share of ups and downs. Former India cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar, who has been a critic of Kohli's performances, has credited former India skipper, MS Dhoni for Kohli's success as a player.
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What did Sunil Gavaskar say about Virat Kohli's career?
Sunil Gavaskar, while doing his duties for the IPL 2024, has expressed his thoughts on Virat Kohli. Kohli, who debuted for India in 2008, had a sluggish start to his career, as per Gavaskar.
The Little Master has credited former India skipper MS Dhoni for trusting Virat Kohli's talent and skill. As per Gavaskar, Dhoni gave Kohli the extra momentum that he needed in his career.
When Virat Kohli started his career it was a stop-start career. The fact that MS Dhoni gave him that little extra momentum is why he is the Kohli we see today, Gavaskar stated.
Sunil Gavaskar said, "when Virat Kohli started his career it was a stop-start career. The fact that MS Dhoni gave him that little extra momentum is why he is the Kohli we see today". pic.twitter.com/tymB9ckTdz
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 17, 2024
MORE: What is Virat Kohli's record against CSK?
What is the Kohli-Gavaskar feud?
The spat between Virat Kohli and Sunil Gavaskar has been going on, throughout the IPL 2024. Virat Kohli has not been spared by critics and former players, for his 'below-par' strike-rate. IPL 2024 has seen wild totals being made, and chased. In the era of 220+ totals, Virat Kohli's batting style has only encountered criticism.
Virat Kohli was slammed for his strike rate by Sunil Gavaskar, who has been on commentary duties for IPL 2024. After RCB-legend took his team past the finish line against Gujarat Titans with a 44-ball 70, Kohli hit back at Gavaskar in the post-match presentation.
I am not sure if you have not been in that situation yourself, to sit and speak about the game from the box; I don’t think it’s the same thing, so for me, it’s just about doing my job, people can talk about ideas for the game, but for me, it’s kind of a muscle memory now, Kohli slammed Gavaskar after the win vs GT.
Sunil Gavaskar, was could not wait, but hit back on the India international. The 74-year-old was prompt enough to call out Virat Kohli, in the post-match show after the same game (GT vs RCB). The Indian veteran revealed how he did not have any agendas against any player.
All these guys talk about, ‘Oh, we don’t care about outside noise’. Then why are you replying to any outside noise or whatever it is? We all played a bit of cricket, not a lot of cricket. We don’t have agendas. We speak about what we see. We don’t necessarily have any likes and dislikes. Even if we have likes and dislikes, we actually speak on what is happening, Sunil Gavaskar hit back at Kohli after the cricketer's satirical call-out.
MORE: What is KL Rahul's IPL strike-rate?
What next for Virat Kohli?
Sunil Gavaskar's comments on MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli come right before the two stalwarts meet each other in IPL 2024. RCB are set to host CSK in a potential knockout-tie at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, on May 18, 2024.
Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni will face of on Saturday, with the proceedings scheduled to kickstart at 19:30 hours IST.
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