India vs New Zealand 2019: Virat Kohli Suggests a Change Heading into 2019 World Cup

The India National Cricket Team skipper, Virat Kohli has some suggestions for his teammates heading into the 2019 World Cup. After India won the second ODI of the five-match series at the Bay Oval; Virat said India need to score more runs in the middle over leading up to the mega event in England. As the Indian team were seemingly 20 runs short of what they had scored in Saturday’s ODI; Virat opined getting the run-rate going is necessary. Moreover, Kohli added considering New Zealand, 325 was never going to be comfortable.

India clinch a crucial win in the 2nd ODI

The Men in Blue thumped an upbeat NZ side at home for the second straight time. The visitors decided to bat first after winning the toss. Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan made light work of their bowlers. The pair added 154 runs for the first wicket before falling apart. Later, a couple of scores in the forties helped the Indian team post 324 for four in 50 overs. Though the way the openers began the proceedings, it looked like India could score 350 plus. However, with Kohli and Rayudu not accelerating at the right time, the run-rate dipped.

While chasing, New Zealand batsmen didn’t find the right start. As Guptill and Kane got out inside the first ten overs, the pressure returned to the Blackcaps. It was a matter of time until the spinners got introduced and the carnage began. Kuldeep Yadav, in particular, bagged four wickets while Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar collected two wickets each. The hosts surrendered eventually, as they lost the game by 90 runs.

Virat Kohli talks about ‘clinical’ team performance

The India captain has termed the performance of the side as clinical. Though he mentioned, there are a few flaws to iron out before India approaches the World Cup.

“Clinical performance again. We were really balanced with the bat. 325 was par. Not something you feel comfortable considering New Zealand’s batting. But it was good to put up a balanced performance,” he said.

“I made a conscious effort after the drinks break that I’m going to go hard between 34-40 overs so we can get 340-350. Once I got out, the new batsman had to take time. These are the things we need to look into with the World Cup nearby,” Virat opined. “We would like to score those 15-20 runs extra but at the same time, good too see us chip our way to a balanced total.”

Meanwhile, the third ODI of the series will be played on Monday (January 28th) at the Bay Oval.