Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar feels that Virat Kohli will be the main difference between South Africa and India in the second Test match of the series. While speaking during the Tea break, Gavaskar said that Kohli has been in full control despite the dangerous Cape Town pitch on Day 1 of the Test match.

“He will be the difference (on an awkward pitch). You know, he’s showing the positive approach, recognising that you know this is the kind of pitch where you can get out to a screamer of a delivery. He’s giving me the confidence. You sit in the commentary box and you see and you think he’s playing on a different surface,” Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports during the Tea break.

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However, batters have found it difficult to stay for long on the Cape Town pitch where South Africa were bundled out for just 55 runs in the first session of Day 1, while India lost 4 wickets despite scoring at a brisk rate in the second session. Eventually, 23 wickets fell on Day 1 of the Test. But Virat Kohli looked in good touch during the 1st Test match as well.

“He’s (Kohli) got things in control as batting is concerned. He’s batted splendidly, there’s no other way to say it. When the opportunity was there, when the ball is pitched up, he’s driven it for boundaries. He’s played the hook shot well, he’s played his cut shot quite purposefully. He is very well aware of the situation and playing according to what the team needs,” concluded Sunil Gavaskar.