Little before India clinched their first Test series win over England in eight years, James Anderson’s comment on Virat Kohli, seemed to have caught the red-eye of home fans. Anderson, who went wicket-less in the first innings, said ‘Virat is only good in the Indian conditions’.
The Lancashire born Anderson believes Virat’s batting technique has not changed and will still find it tough to score runs in the conditions assisting swing, precisely England.
“I am not sure if he (Kohli) has changed. I just think any technical deficiencies he has got are not in play out here. The wickets just take that out of the equation. There is not that pace in the wicket to get the nicks like we did against him in England – with a bit more movement”
After India thrashed the visitors for the third time in the series, Virat Kohli, who was bestowed as the Player-of-the-Match for his magnificent 235, had his say about Jimmy’s comment on him. Putting his most sober foot forward, Indian captain said James Anderson shouldn’t have said something like that considering the scorecard at least. Virat later admitted he wasn’t even aware about the comment made and it was Ashwin who briefed him on field during the game’s play.
“I wasn’t even aware of it, Ashwin told me on the field today. He (Ashwin) too was upset with His comments and rather told him to appreciate the efforts then pointing out a finger.”
Claimed to have felt disappointment over the lack of sportsmanship from Anderson, the double-centurion said the pacer must be feeling guilty for his words keeping in mind the outcome of the match. He further said Jimmy approached him during the match, asking him to talk about the matter later on but the Indian skipper refused to get on with an argument.
“I told Ashwin that we don’t have to answer him back, the result of the match will. I think he must be feeling guilty for what he said. He asked me during the match whether we both can have a word regarding the matter and I said no, there is nothing to talk about it.”
India will now face England in the fifth Test match at Chennai, starting December 16.