Eng vs Ind 2018: We Want to Dedicate this Win to Kerala Flood Victims – Virat Kohli

Aug 22, 2018 at 4:48 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Eng vs Ind 2018: We Want to Dedicate this Win to Kerala Flood Victims – Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli was a delighted captain after India’s 203 runs win in the third Test match at Trent Bridge. Kohli dedicated the special win to the Kerala flood victims.

It was a much-needed win for the Indian side as they were 2-0 down in the series. The visitors were under pressure and they were able to come up roses as they ticked the right boxes in the third Test match.

England v India 2018, Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli leads the Indian team. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

India posted a good total of 329 runs in the first innings. Consequently, Indian bowlers were able to back the batting performance as they skittled out the hosts for 161. Hardik Pandya was the chief destroyer of the England innings.

Kohli makes a strong statement.

Virat Kohli said while talking in the post-match ceremony, “We as a team want to dedicate this win to the flood victims in Kerala. This is our bit we can do as the Indian cricket team. A tough time there. The victory was much-needed in this series and in context, and to have been clinical in all departments is a victory for the entire dressing room. A complete Test for us. There was no panic, and we were outplayed in only one game out of the last 5, and that was Lord’s”. 

India ticked all the boxes.

Kohli went on to add the batting line-up was able to set up the match as India scored a competitive 329 runs on the board. The bowlers did well as they bowled in the right areas. More importantly, India’s slip catching was outstanding. Thus, Kohli gave credit to the collective team effort of the Indian team.

“We dominated in this game because we put runs on the board and then the bowlers did well, they were waiting and ready, even Ashwin did well with his injury. The bowling was ready to take 20 wickets again, and I’m glad the batsmen stepped up. So we, as batsmen, did well to give them a cushion for the bowlers to go hard. Even the slips did well, and this mix of all skills couldn’t have come at a better time”.

Partnership with Rahane laid the pillars.

England vs India 2018, Day Report
Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli put together an alliance of 159 runs. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane put together an alliance of 159 runs. Rahane scored a free-flowing 81 in the first innings. Thus, Kohli gave credit to his deputy to deliver the fine performance.

Kohli went on to add, “The partnership between me and Ajinkya was crucial if you look back at the Test. Ajinkya was clear in his mindset in the first innings, and when he goes out and plays like that, he is attractive to watch and he can change the complexion of the game. It was about getting stuck and not throwing our wickets away. They’re a quality attack and you need grit and determination to score against them, and Ajinkya did that in the first innings and Pujara in the 2nd”.

Kohli credits his wife.

Kohli has been able to bury the previous tour ghosts as well. The Indian skipper gave credit to his wife, Anushka Sharma who has been the pillar of strength for him.

“I haven’t thought about the 2014 failures, but I’d like to dedicate this to my wife who is here and keeps motivating me. She’s copped a lot in the past but she deserves the credit for this one”.

Fast bowlers doing the right things.

England v India 2018, Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah celebrates his wicket.. (Photo by Philip Brown/Getty Images)

Indian fast bowling has continued to show the upward swing in the improvement graph. Kohli gave the praise to the fitness level of the bowlers to come up with the fine performances of the team.

“The four fastest bowlers in the series have been Indians and we’re proud of our fitness levels. We want the opposition to bat well and get runs and we don’t want to gift them any, we want to get rid of loose balls. They’re getting into that kind of a mindset and getting Test runs should be difficult. We definitely believe we can come back from 0-2 to 3-2, we just need to keep moving forward, keep winning. We wouldn’t be 2-1 if we didn’t believe”.

India was able to come from behind to make it 2-1 in the five-match series. The fourth Test match will take place at Aegis Bowl, Southampton from 30th August.

Related Article
We’re Still the Number 1 Side in the World – Ravi Shastri
We’re Still the Number 1 Side in the World – Ravi Shastri

Sep 15, 2018, 3:19 PM


I am Not Convinced with Shikhar Dhawan – Ajit Agarkar
I am Not Convinced with Shikhar Dhawan – Ajit Agarkar

Sep 15, 2018, 10:38 AM


England vs India 2018: India Played Far From Their Potential in UK: Mohammad Kaif
England vs India 2018: India Played Far From Their Potential in UK: Mohammad Kaif

Sep 14, 2018, 8:32 PM


England vs India 2018: Combined Test XI
England vs India 2018: Combined Test XI

Sep 13, 2018, 3:31 PM


England vs India 2018: Shane Warne Wants Curators to Prepare Competitive Pitches
England vs India 2018: Shane Warne Wants Curators to Prepare Competitive Pitches

Sep 13, 2018, 10:46 AM


I Would Not Pick Keaton Jennings for Sri Lanka Tour – Nasser Hussain
I Would Not Pick Keaton Jennings for Sri Lanka Tour – Nasser Hussain

Sep 12, 2018, 6:13 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner