"He will be hungry.." Gautam Gambhir backs struggling Virat Kohli ahead of the New Zealand test series at home

Gautam Gambhir opened up about Virat Kohli’s dip in form in test cricket.

Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed Virat Kohli to get back into runs in the upcoming three-match test series against New Zealand at home.

The three-match IND vs NZ test series will be played from October 16 to November 5. The opening test will start on October 16 in Bengaluru, followed by a second test in Pune from October 24. Mumbai will host the last match of the three-match test series from November 1.

The New Zealand test series will be crucial for Team India and Virat Kohli as they prepare for the high-voltage Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia, starting on November 22.

Virat Kohli is as hungry as when he made his debut: Gautam Gambhir

Ahead of the three-match test series against the Black Caps, India head coach Gautam Gambhir lauded Kohli for his incredible consistency over the past decade-and-half.

“See, my thoughts about Virat have always been very clear. He is a world-class cricketer. He has performed for such a long time. He is as hungry as when he made his debut,” Gautam Gambhir said at the press in Bengaluru.

The Indian head coach backed Kohli to return with good scores in the upcoming test series against the Kiwis ahead of the high-voltage Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

“I remember opening the batting with him when he made his debut in Sri Lanka to now, his hunger is always there. That’s what makes him a world-class cricketer. I am sure he will be hungry to get runs in this series, and probably moving forward to Australia as well. Once he gets into the run-scoring form, how consistent he can be. He will be looking forward to these three Tests and the series in Australia,” the head coach added.

Against Bangladesh in Kanpur, Kohli showed glimpses of this best as he batted aggressively, and also deployed the rarely used sweep shots.

India vs New Zealand test series 2024: Full Schedule, Venues and Dates

October 16 to October 20: 1st test, Bengaluru

October 24 to October 28: 2nd test, Pune

November 1 to November 5: 3rd test, Mumbai

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