27

Picture Credit: Twitter

As India get set to lock horns with New Zealand in a virtual knockout contest on Sunday, there have been a lot of talk around Virat Kohli and Co. The Men in Blue were literally outplayed by Pakistan last week in all departments, which has raised quite a lot of concerns around the side and team selection. Reflecting on the same, former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir expressed his feelings through an insightful column in Times of India.

Despite so much criticism and pressure being created from the outside, the 40-year-old opined that Team India won't be as anxious as they have been in these kind of situations in past. However, Gambhir suggested that if there is someone who will be crucial for the side against the Kiwis, it will be the newly appointed team mentor MS Dhoni.

I am not suggesting a crash course in tactics for Virat: Gambhir

"For me, a lot will rest on MS Dhoni and his experience. He is the most seasoned head in that dressing room. He can guide Virat Kohli on how to play crunch situations," Gambhir wrote.

He added, "I don't know how the roles are divided by Dhoni and coach Ravi Shastri but it will be crucial if the former is in Virat's ears. I am not suggesting a crash course in tactics for Virat but it will be good if Dhoni is more hands on for today's game."

Having played under the captaincy of MSD for many years, winning two world cups in that period, Gambhir might have a valid point as Dhoni's valuable inputs during the game might actually make a difference for Virat Kohli and Co. in the big game against the Kiwis.

Gambhir wants India to use Varun's mystery judiciously

Apart from writing about the important of MS Dhoni, Gautam Gambhir also had a few opinions regarding the usage of key bowlers for India after they failed to take any wicket against Pakistan. Contrary to India's strategy of opening with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami, Gambhir stated, "If I was there, I'd open the bowling with Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy."

While highlighting the significance of Varun Chakravarthy, he stated, "To have the mystery of Varun on your side is crucial as Kiwis haven't seen him. Importantly, Virat should use him judiciously so that the mystery factor is not diluted."