IND vs NZ: Kohli Hungry for Runs, No Need to Judge After Every Match, Says Gambhir – But Should He Be Above Scrutiny?
In the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Virat Kohli has been a standout performer for India. He has been piling up runs with his characteristic aggression and elegance. With a series of remarkable innings, Kohli has proven once again why he is regarded as one of the finest batsmen of his generation. Yet, the debate around Kohli’s form, his hunger for runs, and the constant scrutiny on his performances refuses to die down.
Recently, former cricketer Gautam Gambhir weighed in on the issue, urging fans and experts to refrain from judging Kohli after every match. According to Gambhir, Kohli’s hunger for runs is as intense as ever, and he remains a world-class player who deserves respect. Gambhir’s statement might resonate with many, but is his call for less scrutiny justified in a sport as passionate and high-stakes as cricket?
Kohli: A Legend Beyond Numbers?
Virat Kohli’s record speaks for itself. With over 12,000 ODI runs, multiple centuries, and a reputation as a match-winner, it is easy to see why Gambhir feels Kohli should be given space. Kohli’s determination, his intensity on the field, and his ability to adapt to challenging conditions are unmatched. His recent performances in the World Cup only reinforce the notion that Kohli is still hungry for runs and for victory.
But does that mean Kohli should be above criticism? In a team sport where individual performances significantly impact outcomes, is it wrong to scrutinize each player closely—especially one as influential as Kohli? Indian cricket has long been about intense public and media focus. Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, and even MS Dhoni faced immense pressure during their careers. Why should Kohli be an exception?
The “No Need to Judge” Argument: Is it Flawed?
Gambhir’s assertion that Kohli should not be judged after every match sounds reasonable on the surface. Every player, no matter how great, will have off days. However, considering Kohli’s stature and his role as India’s lynchpin in pressure situations, it seems inevitable that his performance will be under the microscope.
In a sport like cricket, where one innings can change the course of a tournament, constant assessment of players is part of the territory. Kohli, who has worn the Indian jersey in over 250 ODIs, knows this better than anyone. If we aren’t allowed to analyze his performance and discuss it after every game, aren’t we diluting the very passion that drives the sport?
While Gambhir’s sentiment may stem from a desire to protect Kohli from undue pressure, it’s important to remember that criticism—constructive or otherwise—comes with the territory of being a cricketing icon. Kohli himself has often spoken about how external pressure motivates him, so why shy away from judgment now?
Is Kohli Still India’s Go-To Player?
Kohli’s form has been excellent in the current World Cup, but one could argue that his role has shifted somewhat. India now boasts a solid batting lineup with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul also shouldering responsibility. In this context, is Kohli still the critical player he once was?
Critics have argued that while Kohli continues to rack up the runs, his approach in high-pressure situations has sometimes raised questions. His century drought before 2022 and a slight dip in form prompted many to wonder if the Kohli of old was fading. And this is where the issue of scrutiny becomes even more relevant. Kohli’s hunger for runs may be intact, but in a sport where form is often fleeting, shouldn’t his every performance be weighed carefully?
The Double Standards: Why Is Kohli Treated Differently?
What makes Kohli’s case more interesting is the selective nature of criticism in Indian cricket. While some players are ruthlessly criticized after poor performances, Kohli is often defended by former cricketers and analysts, as Gambhir has done. Is this because of his past achievements, or does it hint at the hero-worship culture that surrounds Indian cricket?
It’s worth noting that even legends like Tendulkar faced severe criticism during rough patches in their careers. Why, then, should Kohli be exempt? Is it because he has carried the Indian batting lineup on his shoulders for over a decade? Or is it because the cricket fraternity is unwilling to admit that even a player of Kohli’s stature might need to evolve with the game?
Conclusion: Kohli Deserves Respect, But Not Immunity
There is no doubt that Virat Kohli is one of the best cricketers India has ever produced. His passion, skill, and consistency over the years have been extraordinary. But Gambhir’s call for fans and analysts to “stop judging him after every match” seems misplaced. Cricket is a sport driven by emotion, analysis, and debate. To exempt any player—especially one as central to the team as Kohli—from scrutiny is to undermine the very spirit of the game.
Kohli doesn’t need protection from criticism; in fact, as he has shown time and again, he thrives on it. The true test of a player is not just in scoring runs but in how they handle pressure, how they respond to public expectations, and how they bounce back from tough situations. And it is precisely this kind of scrutiny that makes cricket, especially Indian cricket, the enthralling spectacle it is.
So yes, Kohli is hungry for runs. But that hunger will always be matched by the public’s desire to see him deliver when it matters most. And that’s how it should be.