Indian skipper Virat Kohli rates his 149 in the ongoing first Test match as his second best knock in the red ball version. Kohli rates his Adelaide’s inning in 2014 as his best thus far in the longest format. The Indian skipper had played a majestic knock in Adelaide when he almost took India over the line.
Virat Kohli was able to rescue India from the troubled waters when his side lost five wickets with only 100 on the board. However, Kohli was able to hang at one end and take India’s score in close proximity to England’s total of 287. Thus, Kohli’s fine century was able to get the visitors back into the contest.
Kohli sheds light on his fighting knock.
“I don’t know. This could come second to Adelaide. Adelaide remains very special to me. It was second innings and we were chasing a target (364) on day five. I had total clarity in my mind that we were going for the target. That was a beautiful zone to be in. About this innings, I am very happy and grateful,” Kohli told ‘bcci.tv’.
Virat Kohli went on to add that it was pivotal to keep going after reaching the hundred. India gave an innocuous lead of 13 runs and Kohli was still disappointed when he got out. However, it gave an opportunity for the visitors to bowl some overs. Consequently, the tourists were able to scalp the crucial wicket of Alastair Cook.
“It was not only about getting to the three-figure mark but to continue from there on. I was very disappointed when I got out because we could have taken a 10-15 run lead. But in hindsight, we would not have been able to bowl at them. I am just happy with my preparation and not worried about the world,” he said.
The Indian captain also gave credit to Hardik Pandya for his batting. Furthermore, Virat Kohli was pleased with the efforts of Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav who were able to hang around to give support to their skipper.
“It was a test of physical and mental strength but I am glad we could come close to their total and we are pretty much in the game. When you can help the team that way it feels great.
“I have to commend the tail as well. Hardik Pandya batted really well and Ishant and Umesh too applied themselves at the end. The support from them was outstanding,” Kohli added.
