'I am Sure You Can Leave Your Ego Behind' - Gautam Gambhir Suggests Virat Kohli

What Virat Kohli can do with his bat, the world knows. However, he has been making headlines for some other reasons these days. Often known for expressing or showing aggression on the field, Virat Kohli has come under hot waters for his recent on-field antics. Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir has some a piece of advice for the India captain.

Aggression in limit is fine – Gambhir

Speaking to the Quint, Gautam Gambhir talked about Virat Kohli’s aggression, along with Kohli-Kumble fiasco. Recently during the second Test in Perth, Kohli found himself in the middle of a confrontation with Tim Paine. On more than one occasion, both were seen sharing verbal volleys leaving the media on their toes. Though both Kohli and Paine received warnings on the field, the former’s behaviour hasn’t pleased many.

Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir shed some light on the on-field antics of the India captain. Gambhir Kohli should understand his responsibility and behave accordingly. He said,

“I’ve always believed that aggression is fine. I think sledging is fine and aggression is fine till the time you do it within the rules of the game, till the time you don’t cross the limit and you don’t get personal. Because when you are captaining the country, you are a role model for the entire country, you are the ambassador for the country.”

Furthermore, the former India opener said Kumble’s resignation as the head coach is the darkest chapter in Indian National Cricket Team history. Claiming Anil Kumble to be the best captain he had played under, Gautam said his tenure shouldn’t have ended that way. Also, a few days earlier, Diana Edulji revealed Virat Kohli texted BCCI’s top brass for Kumble’s removal.

Virat should understand his role – Gambhir

Speaking of the same, Gambhir feels Virat can leave his ego behind, as 130 crore people in the country are looking upto him.

“It was probably the darkest phase in Indian cricket. If 15 people are not happy with one person, obviously it is time for him to go, but if one person is not happy with a certain individual, you have to sort out your differences because ultimately he’s the coach of the entire 15-man squad, not just one player. There are 130 crore people who are looking up to the Indian team as well, so I am sure you can leave your ego behind because you have a far bigger responsibility to deal with when you represent the nation.”