Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has reacted to the recent statement of Virat Kohli. Kohli in the after-match presser on Sunday revealed how only MS Dhoni messaged him after his retirement as the Test captain. Kohli’s statement came as he explained his stance on people’s opinions on his recent form and game.
“When I left Test captaincy, I got a message from only one person, with whom I had played previously; that was MS Dhoni. Many people have my number. On TV, people give lots of suggestions, and people have a lot to say. But none of the people who had my number sent me a message,” Kohli said in the presser.
Sunil Gavaskar questions Virat Kohli
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Thanks @vikrantgupta73 sir for asking question. pic.twitter.com/gATXXdWe2h
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Hours after this statement went viral on social media, Sunil Gavaskar presented his opinion on it in an interaction. Gavaskar demanded clarity and said that Kohli, as he revealed MSD’s name should have also revealed the names of those who didn’t message.
“It’s very difficult to say as to whom Virat is referring to. If he would have taken any names, you can then go and ask that person, if you have contacted him or not. What I have heard is that he is talking about only MSD having called him after leaving Test captaincy,” Gavaskar told.
“If he is talking about former players, who have played with him, we know who all from that lot come on TV. He should name the player he is referring to. Ask them Kya Bhai aapne koi Message nahi kiya,” he added.
Gavaskar in a separate comment questioned why Kohli needed people to message him. Moreover, he compared the situation to when he announced his retirement and how no one messaged him either.
“What message does he [Kohli] want? Was it encouragement? After quitting captaincy, what encouragement do you want? The captaincy chapter is over, end. Now show your total focus on the cricketer role. As a captain, you would be worried about all players. When you are no longer the captain, you can concentrate on your speciality,” Gavaskar said.
Moreover, he added his captaincy retirement scenario from back in 1985. “I also quit captaincy. Madan Lal (former player) was there with me, the evening after the world championship of cricket. We all met, hugged each other, and celebrated winning the trophy. Apart from that what message do you want? I don’t know. After quitting captaincy, I played with the same teammates. Team camaraderie was great, same. we had great fun,” Gavaskar said.
Sunil Gavaskar, in his statement, also advised Kohli to focus on his form and game. “Now you are playing only as a cricketer. So focus on that role because when you are the captain, you think about and worry about your mates. Once captaincy is over, it’s time to focus on your own game,” he said.
