Gautam Gambhir praises Virat Kohli after his knock in Cape Town

Former India player Gautam Gambhir has applauded Team India Test captain Virat Kohli for his stable 79-run knock on the first day of the third Test match against South Africa on Tuesday. Gambhir has said that Kohli put his ego aside and left a lot of balls outside off-stump in the process of his knock.

Kohli played alone in his 79 runs knock as the tourists were bundled out for 223 on the first day of the third and final Test against South Africa. But, Kohli missed his 71st international century by 21 runs as he didn’t get proper support from the other end.

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“Virat has said many times that when you go to England, you should leave behind your ego in India. Today, Virat Kohli left behind his ego in the kit bag and this knock reminds me of his very successful tour of England, where he got beaten many times but left a lot of deliveries outside off-stump,” Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports.

“Today, in the same way, he left deliveries outside off-stump, he got beaten as well but kept his ego with himself. He did not try to dominate the bowlers on every delivery,” Gambhir further added.

“He was very patient at leaving the ball” – Rabada on Virat Kohli

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Meanwhile, Rabada, who removed Team India captain, said that Virat Kohli has batted brilliantly on the first day of the third Test. Kohli hit a length delivery from Kagiso Rabada after playing with discipline, especially with the balls outside the off-stump as well.

“The plan was to bowl a good line and length. It was pretty obvious to try to swing away as he was going out that way. He was very patient at leaving the ball. He batted extremely well, well done to him,” Rabada shared.