"He (Kohli) was born to lead. He led the under-19 team, and even as a player he was looking to learn from others. That is the big plus about Kohli that he learning. He makes mistakes, all of us make mistakes. But there is so much optimism with him becoming the captain, something which scares you. There is so much of expectations from the young man, it is sometimes scary but he will be upto it," Gavaskar said.
Sri Lanka were reduced to 5 for 2 in two overs in their second innings and Gavaskar said the hosts won't be able to save the match anymore.
"I don't think they will be able to recover. They might be able to save an innings defeat if they bat well and get a few partnership. Otherwise, I don't think they will be able to save the game. Only the weather can come to their rescue or else I think India is going to win with plenty of time to spare," Gavaskar said.
Asked about Kohli's ploy to open bowling with spinners R Ashwin, Amit Mishra and Harbhajan Singh, Gavaskar said: "It was top class thinking. I thought the way Ashwin was bowling, this is what he would try, Ishant at one end and Ashwin at other end. But with only four overs to go, he went with the spinners because in case it didn't work, the ball with still be hard enough for the new ball bowlers tomorrow.