IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli goes into history books
Virat Kohli is now the leading run-scorer in T20I cricket with 3,001 runs to his name in 87 games. Virat Kohli boasts an average of 50.86. New Zealand’s Martin Guptill is second on the list with 2,839 runs in 99 games at an average of 32.36. India’s ‘hit-man Rohit Sharma is third on the list with 2,773 runs in 108 matches.
Virat Kohli can now take a sigh of relief after his much-needed half-century in the second T20I. The Indian skipper suddenly found himself in turmoil after a poor Test series followed by a duck in the first T20I against England. The comeback in the second T20 was crucial and it will will boost Kohli’s confidence before the Indian Premier League.
IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli’s post-match interview
“Special mention to Ishan, the way he batted,” Kohli said at the presentation. “Changed the game completely. We were one down for nothing. I tried to do what I can but then he totally took the game away from the opposition. Kept following his instinct. Quality batting on debut.”
“When you play in the IPL with such dominance like he has, against quality bowlers, we’ve seen him hit international fast bowlers for big sixes,” Kohli said. “He’s a fearless character. He should continue to back his instincts. We had a conversation out in the middle where he understood and analysed the game very smartly.”
“He knew he was hitting the ball well so he kept taking his chances. But he was calculated. He wasn’t reckless. And that’s what you want to see in youngsters. Coming in, looking composed, still backing themselves but being aware of what the situation of the game is and I think today that counterattacking innings of his and our partnership [94 runs off 54 balls] was something that the team needed and he provided that for the team.”
“We ticked all the boxes we wanted to. Especially in the first innings with the ball. They were 100 at the end of 12 overs; 130 at the end of 15 and to give away only 34 in the last five, I think it was very smart bowing by all our bowlers. Special mention to Washi. He bowled to only one left-hander in the middle and to all right-handers, he used the big boundary really well, changed pace. But then Bhuvi, smart operator. Shardul bowled well at the end. Hardik chipped in with a few. Chahal was good today as well. All in all very very happy with our bowling effort and then with the bat as well. Convincing finish.”
“I have to give credit to him for the fact that he’s bowling at least three [overs] for us in games now,” Kohli said. “He’s worked really hard on his fitness and for the next six to eight months, he’s promised and committed to the fact that he’s going to give everything that he has and be that allrounder for us who features in all three formats probably. He’s going to be a vital part of this team moving forward. He’s put in a lot of work to arrive at this place. Now it’s all about managing his workload and keeping him fit and ready to bowl whenever the team wants and his intent is of no doubt. He plays for the team at all times and these kinds of players are priceless.”
