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Virat Kohli opened up on the match-winning performance of himself and the team as well in the first ODI of the three-match series against the West Indies National Cricket Team on Sunday, September 27, at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. India beat West Indies by 8 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Speaking after the win, Virat Kohli was delighted with the performance of himself and with the way Shubman Gill batted and said the whole team executed their plans in the first ODI match. He played an exceptional innings on the night as he scored 139 runs off 88 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and 9 sixes.
Kuldeep Yadav starred for West Indies collapse
India won the toss and opted to bowl first; Naman Dhir made his debut for the side. West Indies had a brilliant start, thanks to their openers Justin Greaves and John Campbell. The latter was the first one to be dismissed for 62 runs, and Greaves scored his maiden ODI hundred, as the two stitched 132-run opening partnership.
Kuldeep Yadav then pulled the innings as the Windies crumbled, losing 4 wickets for 21 runs. 52-run partnership from Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase helped the side go past the 250-run mark, as they posted 295/7 in their 50 overs, with Kuldeep becoming the best bowler for the side, picking 4/40 in his 10 overs.
Virat Kohli stands tall in yet another run chase
While chasing, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill had a breezy start as the two stitched 74 runs between them before Rohit was dismissed for 32. Then it was Virat Kohli and Gill who showed as the two built a partnership of 151 runs between them.
Gill brought up his 10th ODI century and was soon dismissed for 110 off 108 deliveries, smashing 13 fours and one six in his excellent innings. Virat Kohli then carried on with his demolition as he brought up his hundred in 74 deliveries and was unbeaten till the end on 139 runs in yet another run chase.
"My focus has never really been on these milestones": Virat Kohli on reaching 15,000 runs
After finishing the game for India before the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli was asked about the milestones he achieved, as he replied that he has never focused on particular milestones and always focuses on the situation.
Kohli said (as quoted by Cricbuzz), "[On reaching 15,000 ODI runs and becoming the fastest to the milestone] Well, thank you firstly for the kind words. Well, my focus has never really been on these milestones, so to say. It's just understanding the situation along the course of just doing the job for the team, whatever."
He added, "Achievements come along. Obviously, I feel very grateful and very blessed to be in this position for having played for so long. And yeah, just keeping my head down, working hard, and thanking God for everything that I've been blessed with and the opportunities that I've gotten in my life to be where I am."
"He's the top ODI batter in the world": Virat Kohli on Shubman Gill
He also spoke about the brilliance of Shubman Gill, stating that he has been the best player in the world, and he also revealed that if Gill needs any kind of help from the former India captain, he is always available.
Virat Kohli on Shubman Gill: "[On his partnership with Shubman Gill and what makes them click while batting, as well as Gill growing into the captaincy role] There's a reason why he's leading the team. He's got the right perspective, as I said, to look at the game in the way that making the team win from different situations."
Virat added, "He's the top ODI batter in the world. There's not much that needs to be said to him. It's just about stringing in partnerships and making sure we do justice to the ability and the talent we have in this team. And he's probably up there with the best players in the world and obviously a very talented guy. So not having to say much to him while batting. In the field, when he needs my help, I'm always available."
