Pune: Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar lauded Virat Kohli’s leadership as India pulled out a seven-run win against England in the final ODI to clinch the series 2-1 on Sunday. He said that the side has a perfect balance rendering them to win more matches than they lose.
It was the third series win for India in a row against England as they won the Test and T20I series too. Earlier, India had defeated mighty Australia at their own den. “I’ve always said that a captain is always as good as the team and he’s got a terrific team under him. He has got a couple of terrific opening batsman; the middle order is very good,” Gavaskar said.
“He’s got a bowling attack which has plenty of variety. He has got an outstanding fielding unit. He’s got a wicketkeeper who is very good and who can come in down the order to bat and pummel the bowling along.”
The batting great also pointed out the strengths of the side. He said in Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, India has got two world-class openers; followed by the middle-order of Kohli and KL Rahul. Kohli himself cracked a couple of half-centuries in the first two matches and Rahul also scored 62 not out and 104 in the first two ODIs respectively.
Then Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya as the finishers, both capable of tearing apart any bowling attack. Also, the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar rediscovering his pace attack and getting wickets early in the innings will go down as one of India’s biggest positive.
“So, the full balance of the team has been fantastic. And when you have something like that, you will win more matches than lose. And that is exactly what’s happening. Not everybody will be able to play to their potential,” Gavaskar explained.
The 71-year-old reckoned that the Indian team is filled with match-winners. And a team doesn’t need everybody together, they just need a few to come good.
“In a game of cricket, not XI players will be successful but if four players are successful – say two from the bowling and as many from the batting – then you are going win more matches than losing. India has some fabulous match-winners with the bat and with the ball and that is reflecting in the results,” he added.
