India v Australia: Adam Gilchrist feels Virat Kohli will regain form in the final Test

Australian cricket legend, former wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist thinks Virat Kohli is a great leader. He also expressed his concerns over Kohli’s recent slump, but said the 28-year old would be back to his form in the 4^th Test. Speaking on the sidelines of an event, he told Press Trust of India, “I m fearful Virat Kohli is due for a lot of runs (in Dharamsala). Kohli is a great leader. He drags his team and his nation with him”.

When asked to comment on the off-field controversies of both the oppositions, Gilchrist though it was time for both the teams to put an end to the ‘cheatgate’ controversy before it inflated into becoming the next ‘monkeygate’ episode.

“It has been an exceptional series. (But) both the teams may sit back in the end and think they may have said some things differently. But we can all move on and I’m glad that it has not escalated to the really nasty scenario in 2008 that dragged on and on,” he said.

And much like most veterans, Gilchrist also opined that controversies are an integral part of India-Australia cricket rivalry. It has happened several times before, and will continue happening in the future.

“Everyone was frustrated and that is a part of history between the two teams,” the legendary wicket-keeper batsman said. At the end of the day there is a lot of respect between the two teams because they fear each other as opponents. Both the teams are fine competitors.”

He further went on to say that just like others he was also surprised by Australia’s performance in the ongoing series, and proved wrong several predictions made by cricket pundits.

“So many predictions but they have done themselves proud. Australia has performed extremely well.” he said.

The series-deciding final Test begins on Saturday in Dharamsala.