WI vs IND 2023: He’s actually going to be guiding the likes of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan – Zaheer Khan on Virat Kohli’s role

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan feels Virat Kohli will play a major role in guiding young players like Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan. Gill has been in sublime form in 2023, especially in the white-ball formats whereas Kishan scored his maiden Test fifty in the second Test match against the West Indies at Queen’s Park, Trinidad, which ended in a draw because of persistent rain.

Gill amassed 890 runs in 17 matches for Gujarat Titans at an average of 59.33 and finished as the highest run-getter of the tournament. Ergo, he played a key role in taking Gujarat Titans to the final of IPL 2023 but he wasn’t able to carry the good show in the WTC Final against Australia.

Furthermore, Gill could not grab his chance in the two-match Test series against the Windies while batting at number three.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has all the experience under his belt and he will be looking to guide the young players on the right path.

Zaheer Khan said on Jio Cinema: “He (Kohli) should enjoy this part of the career where he’s actually going to be guiding the likes of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan. That mentor role is also going to be expected of him at this stage in his career that’s something that he does it anyways but you know that that’s something that keeps you going and keeps you in the game.”

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli scored a fine knock of 121 runs in the first innings of the second Test match against the Windies and this was his 76th International century. Kohli will look to continue the good show in the three-match ODI series against the hosts.

“He’s constantly involved in the game. I think that those aspects are going to be very important for him going forward. But it’s good to see him in good space and scoring runs. And I think I think that’s what he should just right now do,” Zaheer added.

The first ODI between India and West Indies will be played at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on Thursday.