Hats Off To Rohit Sharma, Says Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli-led Team India started their World Cup campaign on a solid note by dismantling South Africa by six wickets. The Men in Blue came up with a fine all round show to see off the Proteas in Southampton. Asked to bowl first, India restricted South Africa to a modest 227 for 9 with Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal starring with the ball.

Bumrah dismissed Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock cheaply to leave the Proteas reeling at 24 for 2. Faf Du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen then provided the innings with some much-needed solidity. The duo took the score past the 50-run mark, much to the relief of the South African dressing room. However, just when it looked like du Plessis and van der Dussen had their eyes set, Yuzvendra Chahal struck to remove both of them.

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South Africa soon found themselves 5 down for just 89. At one stage it looked like South Africa would not even cross the 150-run mark before Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada added 66 runs for the eighth wicket to steer their team to a respectable total. Chahal finished with 4 wickets while Bumrah picked up 2.

In reply, India started poorly and lost Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli cheaply. However, Rohit Sharma remained till the end and scored an unbeaten century to take India home in the 48th over. The right-handed batsman was struggling at the start but soon found his rhythm and put India on top. He was well supported by the likes of KL Rahul and MS Dhoni before Hardik Pandya’s quickfire cameo ended the game.

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Speaking at the end of the match, Virat Kohli expressed his delight over the way the team performed. The skipper also had some special praise for the likes of Chahal and Bumrah.

“The wait was very long and then you get a game like this where it was challenging throughout. We might not have had the run rate, but if you look at how the game went and how the pitch behaved, it was challenging. Hats off to Rohit, and also the guys who batted around him. We were going to bowl first. Jasprit is operating at a different level to be honest. Chahal was outstanding as well,” Virat Kohli said.

“There’s one thing to see a bowler bowl, but to catch that ball, to feel the heaviness of it. When I caught it, I could feel the pain for 15 minutes. With the new ball he was absolutely outstanding. Haven’t seen Amla get out like that. Even Quinny, he rushed him for pace,” said Kohli about Bumrah before adding:

“The first win is always important. On the field, we were confident as a group. With the bat, we had to work our way through. That’s where Rohit’s innings was very very special. KL batted really well with him. Then MS showed great composure. Hardik finished well too. He looks in a good headspace.”