ICC World Cup 2019: Sachin Tendulkar Claims Virat Kohli Didn’t Panic on Field against Afghanistan
Jun 24, 2019 at 9:08 PM
Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar has effusively praised current Team India skipper and batting genius Virat Kohli. Tendulkar claimed Kohli had shown courage by not panicking during Afghanistan game in Southampton. At the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 game, Kohli, who wears heart on his sleeves looked a bit agitated on the field apart from ruing a couple of missed opportunities on Saturday night (June 22).
The 46-year-old Tendulkar has credited Kohli for showing a brave part as a leader after witnessing a thrilling India-Afghanistan game.
Tendulkar also added Kohli didn’t look confused either during the low-scoring encounter at the Ageas Bowl.
Virat Kohli’s captaincy made a difference?
Tendulkar is impressed with the way Kohli has shown calm approach while making some key decisions during a game against Afghanistan. He believes Kohli has done a great job by putting creating pressure on the opposition following a decisive ploy.
“I thought Virat’s captaincy was good, the best part was at no stage he looked panicked or confused. When there were dot balls being bowled he also knew Afghanistan was sinking slowly but surely,” Tendulkar told India today.
With the 11-run victory, India has moved a place to sit third on the points table to claim nine points in five matches. They’re unbeaten at the ongoing World Cup. Their game against New Zealand got washed out on June 13 at Trent Bridge.
Afghans had shown a great character by giving India a scare.
While talking about Kohli’s knock, Tendulkar has lavished praise on the batting giant for his temperament. He added Kohli’s objective was bit different during Afghan game while citing his body language said it all.
Kohli himself scored 63-ball 65 with the help of five fours before Mohammad Nabi accounted for his prized wicket.
“Virat’s contribution today was perfect. Nobody was talking these numbers 25 years ago. He is always confident, today he was out there early. The moment you see his body language and footwork you know his intent is different and today I saw that,” Tendulkar added.
Earlier, Kohli opted to bat first, but due to slow nature of the pitch, batsmen found things hard to tackle. Afghanistan spinner bowled in tandem to stem the run flow before picking up crucial wickets. India managed to post 224 in 20 allotted overs.
“It was a difficult track to bat but when Virat was batting it didn’t seem that way. When it comes to Virat the way he started, today was possibly his best start. He looked as comfortable as ever. He started timing the ball from the word go,” Tendulkar elaborated.
In response, Indian bowlers especially Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball. Thus Afghanistan managed just 213 in 49.5 overs. Shama bagged four wickets for 40 in 9.5 overs.