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IPL 2015: What 'inexperienced' Virat Kohli should learn from 'seasoned' Gautam Gambhir, MS Dhoni

Virat Kohli has been Team India's most successful player for the past one year but his performance in Indian Premier League (IPL) hasn't been up to the mark. The Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper has failed to make an impression with batting as well as his captaincy.

The explosive Delhi-lad has a lot to learn from his Kolkata Knight Riders counterpart Gautam Gambhir, who is doing wonders for his side. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders have won two back to back IPL titles ever since Gambhir was handed over the team's charge in 2013.

; IPL Special; Points Table

IPL 8: Virat should learn from Gambhir


Despite getting criticised for his poor performance in the World Cup 2015 semi final against Australia, Virat still continues to be the most sought cricketer in IPL 8. But his present form in IPL is a reason to worry for his team and Virat himself.

He claimed that he's most consistent performer for the side but hasn't yet made an impression in IPL. A bigger problem for the RCB skipper is that he's more in news for his personal life i.e. relation with his 'lady love' Anushka Sharma, instead of his on-field performance.

One has hardly seen Virat playing to his potential in the cash rich league. While his Delhi team mate, Gautam Gambhir is leading from the front, despite remaining out of the Indian ODI and T20 squad for quite a long time. Gambhir has performed exceptionally well with the bat and silenced critics with his captaincy.

Comparing Gambhir with Virat is easy because both the batsmen hail from the same state and have similar kind of temperament. Both of them like dominating bowlers and breaking their moral which helps them score big. Virat (110) and Gautam (109) played almost equal number of games in which both have amassed 2704 and 2992 runs, respectively.

Gautam Gambhir has led his team from the front and has scored runs, won matches for his side and ultimately lead his side win two consecutive IPL titles. Perhaps this is what being an experienced player actually means. While an 'inexperienced' Kohli the skipper seems relying more on big guns like Chris Gayle and AB deVilliers in the side.

Problem with the RCB is that the team looks up to big names like Gayle, deVilliers for batter Virat hasn't be able to earn the title of most dangerous player of this format. Even youngsters in RCB haven't performed with the bat for their captain, till now, hasn't been able to inspire them.

A captain's contribution towards his side is what stimulates the youngsters in the side to perform better. But Kohli so far hasn't be able to infuse that confidence in his side.

If one looks at the performances of other skippers in the tournament then his Team India colleague Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni have always delivered whenever their teams needed them. But Kohli hasn't been able to capitalise over such opportunities.

It is time Kohli comes out of their shadow and eases the pressure of performing over big hitters like Gayle and deVilliers in every match. Only then he'll be able lead his side and dominate the tournament.

Story first published: Tuesday, August 8, 2017, 11:42 [IST]
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