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Team India’s Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir in his recent interview, which was released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with Virat Kohli , hailed the Indian batter for his Test records. As the two cricketing icons were seen sharing the screen for the first time, they were seen engaging in a riveting conversation, putting an end to all the ‘masala’.
During the 19 minutes and 19 seconds long interview, Gambhir also touched upon Kohli’s tenure as India’s captain in the longest format of the game. Recalling those days, Gambhir, who has shared the dressing room with the star Indian batter, hailed him for building a strong fast bowling unit while speaking of his records in Test cricket.
Credit goes to you: Gautam Gambhir hails Virat Kohli’s record as Test captain
Speaking in an exclusive video, Gambhir said, "I can understand what you must have gone through, as a 25-year-old boy. Taking up India's Test captaincy, what you did brilliantly was that you had built a really-really strong bowling unit. And Test matches are won by taking 20 wickets. And that's what made you the most successful captain in the country.”
"Credit goes to you. Because as a batter, it is easy to have 6-7 strong batters put-up runs on the board. And the way you identified and, more importantly, the attitude you got into the team with the fast bowlers. Imagine having people like Shami, Bumrah, Ishant, Umesh and then winning overseas. I remember you playing that knock in Adelaide when India was chasing 400 runs, and it was your first game as captain and you still wanted to win that Test match," Gambhir added.
Watch Virat Kohli - Gautam Gambhir's full interview here:
It is to be noted that Kohli has had a phenomenal record as the helm in India whites. Serving at the peak for over seven years, Kohli ended his tenure as the most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches. While the side drew 11 matches and lost 17 of them with Kohli boasting of a win percentage of 58.82. He led India to the top spot in ICC Test rankings, holding the position for a record 42 months.
Gambhir eyes to build a similar Test team; opens to carry “the mindset” forward
Gambhir, who will look forward to beginning his red-ball assignment on a positive note, also clarified that he aims to build a similar team to that. "That's the mindset and that's the culture you brought and that's what we talk about. What culture we want to bring in. Going forward. That people want to play red-ball cricket and the best format in cricket if you want to judge someone's personality, character," Gambhir clarified.
