India suffer big blow, Gambhir defends Kohli and more - Cricket News Today, 20th September 2018

Gambhir defends Kohli, shuts down former Pakistan cricketer

Gambhir hit back at Tanvir Ahmed

Virat Kohli's absence from the Indian side for the Asia Cup has been a subject of plenty of debate. Several current and former players have had their say on India's decision to rest Virat Kohli for the tournament and when former Pakistan cricketer Tanvir Ahmed called out Kohli for not playing, Gautam Gambhir came to his defence with the perfect response.

On ABP News, former Pakistan cricketer Tanvir Ahmed and Gautam Gambhir were involved in a discussion along with Kapil Dev ahead of India's eight-wicket win over Pakistan. Things took a different turn when Tanvir accused Kohli of running away from the tournament, where India could face Pakistan as many as three times in the tournament.

Tanvir said, "Meri nazar mein Virat Kohli bhaag gaye hain. Jab ek player apnemulk ke liye England ki series khel sakta hai, toh jab usko pata hai Asia Cup jitna bada event aa raha hai, toh jab wo England series survive kar sakta hai toh Asia Cup bhi survive kar sakta hai. Mere mulk ke matches Pakistan ke khilaaf hone hain, ek baar nahi teen baar, toh aise bhaag jaana...(In my view Virat Kohli has run away. When a player can play a series against England for his country battling a back issue, then he could have managed to play in Asia Cup as well. Kohli knew that India might have to play with Pakistan on three occasions including the final which is why he ran away.)"

In response, Gambhir said, "Virat Kohli has 35-36 centuries to his name. He (Tanvir) doesn’t even have 35 international matches to his name."