Virat Kohli is a great leader, says Gilchrist

Melbourne (Australia): Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist has called Virat Kohli a great leader and said it is time for both the countries to put an end to the ‘cheatgate’ controversy before it turns into infamous 2008 ‘monkeygate’ episode.

Kohli is yet to fire in the ongoing series against Australia and Gilchrist said the Indian skipper is due for big runs in the fourth and final Test in Dharamsala, starting Saturday.

“Kohliis a great leader.He drags his team and his nation with him,” Gilchirst told PTI here last night while launching the Indiansandalwood company’s new name ‘Quintis’.

“I m fearful Virat Kohli is due for a lot of runs (in Dharamsala),” he said.

“It has been an exceptional series. (But) both the teams maysit back in the end and think they may have said somethings differently.

“Butwe 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.

Gilchrist said controversies are integral part of India-Australia cricket rivalry.

“Everyone was frustrated and that is apart 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 teamsare fine competitors.”

Gilchrist said just like others he too was surprised by Australia’s performance in the ongoing series.

“I think it’s fair to say thateveryone is surprised the way Australian team has performed over there (in India). So many predictions but they have done themselves proud. Australia has performed extremelywell,’

“It has been a wonderful series.So many people are saying to me it is the best series they have seen in Indiasince 2001. That (2001) serieswas extraordinary and India came out on top but who knows what lays ahead,” he added.