Australia vs India 2018/19, 2nd ODI, Adelaide - Virat Kohli Delighted with the Win, Shares High Praise on MS Dhoni

The India National Cricket Team captain, Virat Kohli and the Adelaide Oval have a story of their own. Much like Sachin Tendulkar and Sharjah, Mahela Jayawardene and Colombo; Kohli-Adelaide has been a fairytale. He loves batting here, and his numbers are the proof of it. During the second ODI at the venue, Virat Kohli completed his 39th ODI century, and fifth at this venue. To be precise, it was his fourth against Australia across formats in Adelaide. However, he was delighted as India beat Australia in the second ODI by six wickets, and levelled the three-match series 1-1. Also, he was named as the Player of the Match.

Virat completes masterclass hundred

Virat Kohli is a synonym to a century, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. Meanwhile, India’s story on Tuesday was not as pleasing as the result of the game. India bowled first after losing the toss for the second time in a row. Getting to roast in the 40 degrees did some help to Australia. Although Shaun Marsh’s seventh ODI ton left an impact on the match as well.

Contributions from Glenn Maxwell later in the innings helped Australia post 298 for nine. In their chase, India lost Dhawan inside the first ten overs. Rohit Sharma, who got a good start couldn’t convert it into a fifty, as he got out on 43.

The onus then fell on the shoulders of Virat Kohli. The India captain proved why he is the best batsman and the best chaser the ODI game has seen. At his favourite venue, Virat took his time and completed his 39th One-Day hundred. Though he scored 104, Richardson got his wicket to jolt India’s confidence. However, the pair of MS Dhoni and Dinesh Kartik helped India win the game with six wickets in hand.

It was MS Dhoni’s classic at the Adelaide – Virat Kohli

“Very pleased. We wanted to try and restrict them in the end. To get them (Maxi and Marsh) in two balls was outstanding for us. those breakthroughs were crucial. That meant we were not chasing 330. Bhuvi was outstanding with the ball, he came back and brought us in the game towards the end.”

“Vijay Shankar is in, so that’s gives us couple of options to play around with. Backing 5 bowlers and getting job done is always a pleasing thing for a captain. You look for little moments to pump you up, I try and get into that zone. I try to stay as aware as possible. When it comes off it looks nice. I try and keep things simple.”

“You have to take calculated risks. It was a really tough day, you saw MS in the end, he was tired as well. You need a good day’s rest. There is no doubt that he shouldn’t be a part of this team. Tonight was MS classic. He calculates the game so well. He backs himself to hit those big hits. Hats off to Dinesh as well. He came and showed great intent. We try and bat well together (MS and himself). Tonight was special for us.”