ICC World Cup 2019: Gary Kirsten Keen to Witness Virat Kohli Smashing a ‘Match-Winning’ Ton
Jul 10, 2019 at 10:56 AM
Former Team India 2011 World Cup-winning coach, Gary Kirsten is awe of Virat Kohli, who is leading Men in Blue across all formats. Kirsten is further keen to see Kohli doing a remarkable job while chasing down a target in the ongoing ICC World Cup.
Earlier, India became the second team to qualify for the semis in the twelfth edition of the ODI showpiece. On Saturday (July 6), India thrashes Sri Lanka by seven wickets and 39 balls to spare to finish on the top of the points table with 15 points in nine league games.
Gary Kirsten backs Virat Kohli for a match-winning knock:
The former South African opener Kirsten had also wished to see Kohli slamming a match-winning hundred while going for a chase. He added, Kohli has mastered those things.
“I would love to see him get a match-winning hundred chasing a total. That’s what he has become known for,” Kirsten told the Mirror.
Meanwhile, India will wrestle with New Zealand in the first semi-final at Old Trafford in Manchester on July 9 (Tuesday).
The top-order batsman Kohli has 442 runs to his name in eight matches. He has scored runs at an average of 95.05. Concurrently, he is the second leading run-getter for India after Rohit Sharma (647).
Gary Kirsten on Kohli-Dhoni experience:
While shedding light on experience, Kirsten maintained the experience of Kohli alongside wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni would help the team and they can make the best of the opportunity, at the same time.
“Both of them are experienced players in big games. I’m sure the rest of the team will feed off their energy and composure,” Kirsten added.
While talking about the preparations, Kirsten reiterated that one has to back himself and the strategy they’re devising for the game. Furthermore, he added there are certain things that one can’t take control off.
“You back your skills and gameplan, there are many things one can’t control in a cricket match,” Kirsten observed.
Ahead of India-New Zealand game, India has enough resources for the semis against the Black Caps. Interestingly, he stressed that one has to be prepared in a bid to play some ‘ugly’ cricket.
“Often the knockout games require someone to play ugly to get the team across the line. Someone must be prepared to do that,” Kirsten concluded.
Kirsten further maintained Black Caps could be dangerous with fewer expectations.