Calling Wankhade’s innings his “second best” after Adelaide – Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli said the lower-order has strengthened the team and has given him some sought of liberty to use five bowlers and dent the morale of any opposition.
Kohli, at the post-match press conference of fourth Test at Wankhade, hailed the team’s lower-order batting performances by saying it has improved a lot and he expects to go with five players till the time they continue to deliver the results – to help win the team all-important games.
“The way players are performing down the order it gives a solid option to go with five bowlers. The contributions have been significant and match-winning not only match saving,” Kohli said.
It seems the learning phase is over for Indian batting wizard Virat Kohli as an Indian Test captain like he is dominating every game with his bat while leading his side from the front not only on field but off it too.
“Over 200 runs were scored by lower-order in Mohali even more in Wankhede. The all-rounders are making a massive difference. It’s as good as playing 12 people on the field,” Kohli remarked.
Kohli also lauded his teammates, especially Jayant Yadav and Murali Vijay for their efforts with the bat and Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja’s with the cherry.
“The lower-order contribution has been the key factor so far. The lads have been stepping up at the right time. Jayant’s hundred was outstanding. At one stage, he was outscoring me. It shows the belief that he [Jayant] has in his game,” Kohli added.
The Test matches are remarkable and it eventually pulls you back into record books for a certain reason, Jayant Yadav’s splendid hundred reminds us off Jason Gillespie’s unbeaten 201 against Bangladesh as a nightwatchman.
“You see Jayant’s record in first-class cricket his wickets and runs won’t mesmerize you, but he knows his game perfectly well. If you get guys like that you identify them and get them into the international circuit immediately,” he concluded.
Kohli who seems romancing with the pressure, also said fast-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya is going to hold the key for the team India once they start to tour abroad.