Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli (Image Credits: Twitter)

India made amends for the loss in the fourth One-Day International with an impressive win in the fifth and final ODI to seal the series and skipper Virat Kohli was absolutely delighted with his team’s performance. The 28-year old had a special word of praise for Ajinkya Rahane’s performance and also applauded the efforts of spinner Kuldeep Yadav and opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan after India won the fifth ODI by 8-wickets to win the five-match series 3-1.

India Vs West Indies 5th ODI: Really Pleased With The Team Effort, Says Virat Kohli

Kohli-led from the front, scoring an unbeaten 111 to take India home in the 37th over in pursuit of 205. India got off to a poor start with Dhawan falling in the very first over for 4 before Kohli and Rahane steadied the ship with a 79-run partnership. Kohli then shared an unbeaten partnership of 122 with Dinesh Karthik (50) to cross the target with ease.

Speaking after the match, Kohli said the team was looking to win the series with a complete team performance and was delighted with the players’ reaction.

“First and foremost the aim was to win the series, have a complete team performance. Special mention to Rahane, who’s come back after a while and he was outstanding. Shikhar as well at the top. Kuldeep was outstanding. Really pleased with the team effort in general. Winning convincingly in a chase is always nice. For me it’s all about getting the team across the line. It’s not about stats – it’s about looking at the scoreboard, looking at the bowlers, which ones to target, which ones to give respect to. I like taking control of the situation, stringing partnerships. Again Ajinkya was very good, Dinesh too. People are grabbing their opportunities – Shami playing one-day cricket after two years,” Kohli said at the post match conference.

Kohli’s 28th ODI century, meanwhile, helped him to surpass batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar to become the Indian player with most centuries while chasing. Kohli now has 18 centuries while chasing compared to Tendulkar’s 17. Kohli reached the milestone in 102 innings while Tendulkar had taken 232 innings.

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India Vs West Indies 5th ODI: Really Pleased With The Team Effort, Says Virat Kohli

“I have always been a batsman that’s played the situation and that’s something that has never changed. I still think the same way I used to when I wasn’t the captain. It’s a taking a bit more responsibility for the guys at the other end. That’s always a nice thing to learn and also makes you understand the game better as well. I’m relishing the opportunity,” he concluded.

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