While addressing the media gathering on the eve of Test series decider against Australia, Indian skipper Virat Kohli expressed the hosts had delivered well as a unit in Ranchi while coming right from the behind as they would like to carry the momentum in Dharamsala Test which is scheduled on March 25 (Saturday).
The modern-day batting prodigy Kohli said India had fought well by achieving a significant lead of 152 after losing the toss when he was asked Australian skipper Steven Smith had stated ‘the momentum is with Australia’ after Peter Handscomb and Shaun Marsh battled out for a draw, on the day five in Ranchi.
“For us, coming from behind as they [Australia] scored 451 and we put up a total of 600 plus [603 for 9 declared] was a positive sign for the team,” Kohli said.
The 28-year-old Kohli, who is yet to decide on his availability for the fourth and final Test of the four-match Border-Gavaskar series, stated the good performances from players as a competitive unit had boosted the team’s morale.
In the 40th over, on Day One of Ranchi Test, Kohli suffered the shoulder injury after he fell awkwardly on his right shoulder, in a bid to stop the boundary in deep.
“We turned on the things beautifully and they [Australia] had to bat for the draw. That’s the positive for us and we will carry the momentum in Dharamsala Test,” Kohli remarked.
As the excitement and brain fade had been stated as one of the reasons to flare-ups among the players, both teams had availed equal opportunities so far which further had gone down to a series decider in the foothills of Himalayas.
“As far as a side is concerned, we have lot more positives to take away from the game then negatives. We are going to stick to our basics and focus on the game.
Kohli, who is going through a lean patch throughout the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series, reiterated the visitors had to fight for a draw after posting a decent total on the board.
The right-handed batsman scored just 46 runs in his five innings against the Kangaroos during the ongoing series which further include his highest score of 15 that he registered in the second innings of Bengaluru Test.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion about what they feel about the game,” Kohli concluded.