Virat Kohli looks an effective captain in international arena simply because he has got two successful captains like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in side, former India opener Gautam Gambhir said. MS Dhoni is considered as one of India's greatest captains having won two World Cups while Rohit Sharma has been a very successful franchise skipper leading Mumbai Indians to an unprecedented four IPL titles. While Virat Kohli has captained royal challengers Bangalore for over 8 years, he has t mand to win a single title yet. However, team manment headed by newly-appointed director Mike Hesson has reaffirmed its faith in Virat Kohli leading from front. 

'Long way to go for Virat Kohli', says Gautam Gambhir

"Still a long way to go for him (Kohli). Kohli was very good in last World Cup (in England) but he has a long way to go. He captains so well in international cricket because he has got Rohit Sharma, he had MS Dhoni for a long time," Gambhir told reporters after interacting with students of a university on Thursday. Citing Kohli's record in Indian Premier League, Gambhir said a skipper's effectiveness is tested when you don't have services of several talented players. "Captaincy credentials are ticed when you are leading a franchise, when you do t have or players supporting you," said Gambhir, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL titles. "I have been honest whenever I have spoken about this. See what Rohit Sharma has achieved for Mumbai Indians, see what Dhoni has achieved for Chennai Super Kings. If you compare that with RCB, results are re for everyone to see", cricketer-turned-politician said. 

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Gautam Gambhir believes Rohit Sharma should open in Tests

Gambhir also backed limited overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma to open batting in Test format. "I think KL Rahul has been given a longer run. It is time for Rohit to open batting in Test cricket. If you pick him in squad, he has to be a part of playing XI. If he does t fit your playing XI, point in picking him in squad of 15 or 16. He is too good a player to be sitting on bench."

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Gambhir reveals thoughts on quitting cricket in 2007

Gambhir revealed that he thought about quitting cricket in 2007 after he was overlooked for ODI World Cup squad. "In 2007, when I missed 50-over World Cup, that was lowest moment in my cricketing career. I had given up on cricket. Before that, I had missed both U-15 and U-19 World Cups. "In 2007, I thought I was closest to playing World Cup, but when y did t include me in squad, I had almost given up on cricket," Gambhir said. However, in same year, India were crowned champions of maiden T20 World Cup in in South Africa with Gambhir finished as leading run-scorer in tournament. "n I was chosen in World T20 in 2007 and I got dismissed for a duck in first match against Pakistan. But as fate has it, I finished as leading run-scorer in World Cup and we ended up winning tournament so one should never give up," Gambhir said.

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Gambhir wants to face Shane Warne

Gambhir said that he wanted to face Shane Warne in international cricket. He added that he only played against leg-spinner in IPL and he did t find it that tough. "I wished I could have faced Shane Warne in international cricket. I only played against him in Indian Premier League (IPL) and I did t find it that difficult," Gambhir said. Talking about state of cricket in Delhi, Gambhir said that budding cricketers don't get much help from associations and selection committee. "In Delhi, you do t get help from many people, association and selection committee also does t help that much, so people understand that one must work hard in order to stand out among crowd."

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