India’s former captain Sunil Gavaskar has noticed how Virat Kohli’s guidance made a big difference for young players, especially Ruturaj Gaikwad, during the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur. He highlighted how Kohli’s support helped Gaikwad settle in and score his maiden century.
During the post-match show on JioHotstar, Gavaskar said, “The way he and Ruturaj built that partnership was wonderful. Ruturaj’s first ball was a tough one. The bouncer surprised him, a very good delivery from Jansen. He had dismissed Jaiswal off the previous ball, so he followed it up with another sharp bouncer to Ruturaj, and he somehow managed to get it away for four. After that, you could see Kohli immediately walk down the pitch to comfort him.”
Gavaskar also explained how Kohli boosted Gaikwad’s confidence. “Ruturaj would have been nervous in his first match. He looked good earlier, and Brevis took a brilliant catch to dismiss him. Sometimes you start wondering if you’re not getting the slice of luck you need.”
He added that the on-field conversation had a clear impact on Gaikwad’s batting. “Whatever Kohli told him, you could see it lifted him. Next ball, he played with so much confidence, right from the front foot. Sometimes it’s not just about what you score yourself; it’s also about how you help your partner score. That is crucial. Their running between the wickets was excellent too. For me, it was really nice to watch how a senior, experienced player was guiding and shepherding a young one.”
Gaikwad scored 105 runs off 83 balls, which included 12 boundaries and two maximums. Virat Kohli also scored his 53rd ODI century, but their efforts went in vain as South Africa defeated India by four wickets, pulling off a historic chase.
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