- Kohli Scores Unbeaten 122, But Gambhir Picks Kuldeep
- Gambhir: Kuldeep’s 5-Wicket Haul More Valuable
- Kuldeep: Taking 5 Wickets Against Pakistan is a Special Moment
- Debate Over Player of the Match Likely to Continue
Kohli Scores Unbeaten 122, But Gambhir Picks Kuldeep
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 122 to help India post a massive 356-5 in the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Super 4 match. However, former India opener Gautam Gambhir picked left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav as his Player of the Match.
Gambhir: Kuldeep’s 5-Wicket Haul More Valuable
Gambhir felt that Kuldeep’s five-wicket haul in Pakistan’s 89-run defeat was more deserving of the award. “For me, it’s Kuldeep Yadav. Can’t look beyond him,” Gambhir said in the post-match show. “I know Virat got a hundred, KL (Rahul) got a hundred. Rohit (Sharma), Shubman Gill got fifties, but on a wicket like this where it was seaming and swinging, if someone gets five wickets in eight overs, especially against Pakistan batters, who play spin really well, is a game-changing moment.”
Kuldeep: Taking 5 Wickets Against Pakistan is a Special Moment
Kuldeep himself was pleased with his performance, and said that taking five wickets against Pakistan was a special moment. “If you take five wickets against a big team, you always remember that,” he said. “Whenever I stop playing cricket, I will always remember that I had taken five wickets against Pakistan. This is a big thing because if you perform well against sides who play good spin, it motivates you a lot.”
Debate Over Player of the Match Likely to Continue
The debate over who was the Player of the Match is likely to continue, but there is no doubt that both Kohli and Kuldeep had outstanding performances. Kohli’s innings was a masterclass in batting against spin, while Kuldeep’s bowling was a reminder of his potential as one of the world’s best spinners. Both players will be key to India’s chances of success in the upcoming World Cup.
