It was a Special Win, We Took Momentum from the Wanderers Test: Virat Kohli

After losing the Test series by a margin of 2-1, India faced hosts South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban for the series opener. The skipper of the Indian side, Virat Kohli had his task cut out to challenge the Proteas in their own den. After losing the toss, Indians had to take the field and restrict the hosts to a chasable total. It was the wrist-spinning duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav which did the captain up front as picked up five wickets in between themselves.

However, it was a brilliant century from Kohli’s counterpart, Faf du Plessis, which helped the South Africans to reach a challenging total of 270 in front of the Indians. With the bat in hand, it was the chase master Virat Kohli who orchestrated Indian win with his 33rd ODI ton along with Ajinkya Rahane who smashed 79. Both Rahane and Kohli stitched a matchwinning partnership of 189 runs as India won the match and take a 1-0 lead in the six-match ODI series.

This is what Kohli said in the post-match presentation ceremony

Yeah, it was quite special. We wanted to take the confidence from Jo’Burg to here. We wanted one good partnership. Very very happy for Jinks as well. It is easier to break down the total when you have a number on the board. I like to understand the game. I had never scored an ODI hundred in South Africa. Thus, the celebration. It was my knee but my groin took the impact(talking about his injury when India were fielding). The outfield for me was quite dangerous.

I am ok now. Bhuvi and Bumrah again, we bank on them. The two wrist spinners have been making the difference for us. Having two wrist spinners I mentioned in the press conference is a huge advantage. It augurs well for the team when you have two fearless youngsters. They set their own field as well. They will have to keep this going for the rest of the series. Jinks has a good technique and he took the confidence from the last game and never had doubts in his mind. He batted positively and I could solidify the situation from the other end. Hats off to him, he was outstanding.

Here’s the Newsfeed: 

SA vs IND 2018, 1st ODI: Tried Everything but Rahane and Kohli Played Really Well – Faf du Plessis

SA vs IND, 1st ODI: Twitter Goes Berserk As India Thrash Hosts To Go One Nil Up