Team India skipper Virat Kohli accepted that he was not as cool as ice after the Australian lower-order’s spirited resistance delayed India’s rally to victory in the opening Test in Adelaide.
Meanwhile, the visitors routed the Aussies by 31 runs to go 1-0 up in the four-match series. This is the first time they’ve won the first Test match of a series in Australia and sixth win overall. Virat Kohli while speaking after the game, admitted they executed their plans pretty well despite Aussies showing enough resistance. He also added that
“These things happen in Tests, ups, and downs through a game. Odds were stacked against them. They fought really well but we executed our plans well,” Kohli said.
“I wouldn’t say I was cool as ice, but you just don’t try to show it. Jasprit was getting worked up in his last over, but I just told him to relax. Super proud (of the bowlers), to have four bowlers and take 20 wickets is a great achievement. Something that we haven’t done in the past,” he added.
Virat Kohli said India were collectively better in the Test and hoped his batsmen would step up regularly after the bowlers played a part.
“(It) shows us that if the batsmen step up regularly, we will be gunning for a win in every Test match. Collectively we were the better team and deserved to win,” Kohli added.
In conclusion, team India skipper spoke highly of Cheteshwar Pujara, who was spectacular with the bat at Adelaide. The one drop batsman scored a priceless century in the first innings and backed it with a half-century in the second.
“It was priceless from Pujara. His grit and determination brought us back in it. We always knew that runs on the board would make the home side tentative. Any lead was gold and we got 15. In the second innings again, he and Rahane batted well,” Kohli concluded.