Alastair Cook's wicket turning point for India, says Sunil Gavaskar

Visakhapatnam: Indian thumped England to register a 246-run victory in the second Test in Vizag to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The win, however, didn’t come easily. Virat Kohli and Co. were made to work hard, as they waited for almost 100 overs in the 4th innings for the win.

English skipper Alastair Cook along with opener Haseeb Hameed put up a resolute 75-run stand for the first wicket. England lost Hameed in the 51st over, however, that didn't stop Cook, as he continued with his job. The biggest shocker for the visitors came towards the end of fourth day’s play, as Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Cook in the last over of the day.

In an interview with NDTV, Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said Cook’s wicket was the turning point for India, as the captain’s dismissal broke the spirit of the visiting team.

"Dismissing Cook on the last ball was the turning point. He not only was batting well against Indian bowlers but as a captain inspired his team. His dismissal broke their spirit."

The former Indian captain added that England could make a comeback in the series in Mohali.

"However, India had to work hard for the win. It was not easy for them to pick all those wickets. But England should not be taken lightly, even after this win. Virat Kohli and his boys should enjoy this win, but they should not lose focus."

"The conditions in Mohali will help England. It's their best chance to make a comeback," Gavaskar said.

Gavaskar was also full of praise for Kohli and his captaincy. Kohli earned the Man of the Match award in Vizag for his match-winning performance with the bat.

"Virat Kohli relishes the responsibility of leading Indian team. He knows the team looks up to him during crunch situations and he delivers every time," he said.