Virat Kohli the Indian captain who is currently away on paternity leave showered huge praise on the duo of Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur. The duo showcased exemplary grit, courage, and application while dealing with the best bowling lineup in the world. The Aussies tested them on all accounts and they came out with flying colors on all parameters. Hence it didn’t come as a surprise that permanent captain Kohli immediately took to Twitter to applaud them for their batting exhibition.
Why was Virat Kohli so impressed?
It is a known fact that Kohli loves players who take the game head-on. He immediately took to Twitter to heap praises on the young duo for their scintillating batting display. Kohli was awed by the application and belief shown by Sundar and Thakur. He rightly put that this was Test cricket at it its best. Kohli was impressed with the composure shown by Sundar on his debut.
While he reserved high praise for Thakur too as he cheekily mentioned in Marathi that Thakur has impressed him again. The compliment was well deserved as the pair put on a stunning partnership of 123 in 217 balls. Both Thakur and Sundar got to their maiden fifties in the process. Their partnership irked Australia no end and they looked under pressure for the first time in this Test.
What does Kohli’s appreciation mean?
When India lost Rishabh Pant (who departed after scoring 23) at the score of 186, they were 6 wickets down. Australia seemed buoyant thinking they will help themselves to a lead of around 150 runs. Post which they could add a hundred more in the final session thereby racing to a lead of around 200 by the end of the day’s play. But it wasn’t to be, Thakur and Sundar defied odds, defied conventions, and put on a stellar show which caught everyone’s attention.
When India were blown away for 36 in the first Test at Adelaide, many experts had predicted a 4-0 win for the Aussies in the absence of Virat Kohli. But each time India had been pushed to a corner they have come roaring back. India won a historic game at MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) and played out one of the best draws ever at SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground).
For them to keep storming back in the contest with such limited resources is highly commendable. India are not just without their captain, they are without 7 of their premier bowlers. But still, they haven’t given up and have always kept fighting. Kohli’s appreciation is symbolic of the fightback his team has shown, the character it has displayed. And for that reason alone, no praise can be high enough.
