What’s Indian Cricket Without Virat Kohli? - Monty Panesar

Former England spinner, Monty Panesar feels that the loss of Virat Kohli for the remainder of the series against Australia is an opportunity for youngsters to step up. The Indian captain has returned home after being granted paternity leave by the BCCI to attend the birth of his child.

There are surely plenty of questions and speculations around who will bat number four for the next three matches, Panesar says that India should keep an eye on the future while making this decision. The off-spinner points out that someday Kohli will retire and hence the team should not be overly dependent on the right-hander.

“We need to look forward now. What’s the future in Indian cricket? That is the perfect time to know. Virat will retire one day and India should not be totally dependent on such a classy player every time. Others should take responsibility as well. What’s Indian cricket without Virat Kohli? (That is what) we need to find out,” Monty Panesar told Times Of India.

Shubman Gill can have a big opportunity: Monty Panesar

The 38-year-old observes that the upcoming three matches against Australia could provide India with a star for the future. Monty ponders about who would be India’s talisman after the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane. Panesar says that the likely candidate to replace Kohli is Shubman Gill.

“This will probably be proved in the remaining Test matches vs Australia. Once Virat, Ajinkya, and Rohit retire, who would be the next bunch? We need to find out. Shubman Gill can have a big opportunity and responsibility to (put up a) fight in the second Test,” Monty Panesar said.

“Let’s give opportunities to youngsters in the second Test. This is a big opportunity for them. The youngsters have done really well in the IPL, so let’s give them a chance,” the former Sussex spinner added.