"It's the best innings I have ever seen" - Gautam Gambhir lauds Virat Kohli's iconic 183 against Pakistan in 2012 Asia Cup
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir branded Virat Kohli's 183-run knock against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup in Bangladesh as the greatest-ever knock by an Indian batter. The ace batter's masterclass helped India chase down a mammoth 330-run target and complete one of the highest successful run chases in Indian history.
Chasing the huge total, Gambhir was dismissed for a two-ball duck in the first over by Mohammad Hafeez. Sachin Tendulkar, playing his final ODI, scored 52 while Kohli dominated proceedings from the word go. The latter planned the run chase as Rohit Sharma also chipped in with 68 to guide India to the win with more than two overs to spare.
During a recent interaction with Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir opined that the former's match-winning hundred was the best knock by an Indian, considering the conditions, situation, and the opposition's strength. Kohli had to deal with the pace duo of Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz, while the spin attack of Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi was also potent in subcontinent conditions.
"I saw you make your debut, play that very important knock in the Champions Trophy in South Africa on a tricky wicket against the West Indies, and then playing possibly the best one-day innings that has been played by an Indian batter, and I have said this before. It is the best innings I have ever seen because of the quality of the opposition, the conditions, chasing 300-plus against Pakistan," Gambhir said in a video released by BCCI. (1:38)
"You've done some really special things. Most importantly for me, how you have taken Indian cricket forward is probably the legacy you have left for the next generation," he added.
Virat Kohli's 183 came off 148 deliveries, which included 22 fours and a six. It remains the ace batter's highest ODI score to date.
"That is what made you the most successful Test captain in the country" - Gautam Gambhir credits Virat Kohli for revamping India's red-ball bowling unit
During the interaction, Kohli spoke about being thrust into the red-ball captaincy role out of nowhere in 2014. While discussing the initial challenges, he outlined the importance of building a bowling attack following the transition.
Gambhir acknowledged the challenges of leading a red-ball side at a tender age and credited Kohli for building a bowling attack that transformed India's fortunes away from home.
"I can understand what you must have gone through as a 25-year-old boy taking up the Test captaincy, and what you did brilliantly, was that you built a really strong bowling unit. Test matches are won by taking 20 wickets. Till the time you don't have a stong bowling lineup, it won't happen, and that is what made you the most successful Test captain in the country. Credit has to go to you," Gambhir said. (7:24)
The pace bowling core of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, and Umesh Yadav will go down in history books for their contribution to red-ball cricket. The transformation of the bowling attack was envisioned by then-skipper Virat Kohli and coaches Ravi Shastri and Bharat Arun.