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Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris recently commented on the dynamics between Virat Kohli and India coach Gautam Gambhir ahead of the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. According to Styris, both Kohli and Gambhir will exercise restraint during the series.
There have been instances of verbal exchanges between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli in the past, notably during the IPL. However, during the IPL 2024 season, the cricketers from Delhi appeared to have reconciled. Gambhir, who now serves as the Indian team coach after replacing Rahul Dravid, described their relationship as a private matter between two mature individuals.
Kohli, the 35-year-old batter, has arrived in Colombo for the three-match ODI series scheduled from August 2 to 7. Currently, the Indian T20I team is in Pallekele for a three-match series, and they will join their ODI counterparts in Colombo following the conclusion of their matches.
Both Will Just Tap To Bite Their Tongue – Scott Styris
Speaking to India Today.in, Scott Styris emphasized that Virat Kohli will be closely observing Gautam Gambhir’s management of the team. Styris further noted that Gambhir is keen on Kohli providing support to the younger players within the squad.
“Yeah, it’s a really good question. I think it’s wait and see. I don’t think anyone can sit here and say it’s gonna work that well or it’s not gonna work. I think both players will just tap to bite their tongue a little bit and observe and watch the way that, in Virat’s case, watch the way Gautam is looking to run the team and Gautam will be looking for Virat’s leadership to help all the younger players,” said Styris.
Following the ODI World Cup 2024 loss against Australia in November, Virat Kohli will make his return to the 50-over format for the upcoming ODI series. Since that heartbreaking defeat, the right-handed batter has exclusively featured in T20I matches. Kohli’s decision to rejoin the ODI squad underscores his intent to prepare diligently for the Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled early next year.
Don’t Know About That Relationship – Scott Styris
The former cricketer-turned-commentator remarked on the formidable cricketing acumen of Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir, predicting that they will collaborate effectively to benefit the Indian team. Styris admitted his lack of knowledge regarding the specific dynamics of Kohli and Gambhir’s relationship.
“So there’s so much that we don’t know about that relationship and how it’s going to operate in a team with two different players having two different levels of power in that group as well. So I think they’re both. Firstly, they’re both terrific cricketers. They both have very good cricket brains. I think they’d both be smart enough to work out a way where it can be beneficial to the team and their performances,” Styris added.
In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Virat Kohli showcased his prowess with the bat by amassing 765 runs, which featured three centuries and six fifties. His outstanding performance contributed significantly to his overall record of 13,848 runs in 292 ODIs, where he has registered 50 centuries and 72 half-centuries. Among the top run-scorers in ODI cricket, Kohli currently ranks third, trailing only Kumar Sangakkara (14,234 runs) and Sachin Tendulkar (18,426 runs).
