Virat Kohli did not have outings on the expected line in Test cricket in 2021. He managed to score just 536 runs at a below-par average of 28.21. Also, the right-hander could not score even a single century last year. Also, in the opening Test of the three-match series against South Africa, Kohli was dismissed chasing deliveries outside the off stump.

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir feels that the talk around Kohli’s dismissals in the 1st Test match is groundless. Adding that Kohli has been exceptional with his bat for India, Gambhir felt that the Indian Test captain needs to let go of deliveries outside the off-stump and spend some time out in the middle.

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During a recent chat with Times of India, Gautam Gambhir said, “A lot is being said about Virat Kohli’s dismissals in the first Test match. I think some of it is unfounded and creates unnecessary chaos. Kohli has been exceptional in his run-making for India, he just needs to leave lot more balls outside the off-stump and buy time.”

Gautam Gambhir also added that he did not want Ajinkya Rahane to feature in the playing XI for India in the 1st Test. Adding that with a knock of 48 in the 1st innings of the 1st Test Rahane has won his place in the side for the 2nd Test as well, Gambhir concluded by stating that he wants India to pick Cheteshwar Pujara in the playing XI for the 2nd Test match.

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Elaborating the same, Gautam Gambhir said, “I wasn’t too keen to play Rahane in the first game. But with a decent 48 in the first innings perhaps he would have won himself a place in the second Test match too. I’d continue with Cheteshwar Pujara at No. 3.”