Before the second match, there were lots of talks about Virat Kohli’s form as the 33-year old scored just 26 runs in 3-match ODI series against West Indies. And it wasn’t much different in the first T20I as he holed out in the deep after scoring just 17 runs.
But on Friday it was a different Virat Kohli as he looked in great touch right from the first ball and he scored his 30th fifty to give India a solid foundation. Former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja pointed out that Pollard positioning himself at short leg probably spurred Virat Kohli. He also noted that few spectators were allowed for the second T20 game which also boosted his confidence.
“Two things were different today… One was that Pollard [coming at short-leg]. Suddenly there was a moment Virat Kohli must not have experienced for a very, very long time. You know, Virat Kohli, when he comes out, teams are not looking to get him out the first ball or thinking ‘Let’s try and attack him.’
“That puts you in a different frame of mind. And then, as he said himself as well, there’s nice to have not a full house but at least some people in the crowd because Virat Kohli, I have always believed, has thrived on the energy around him and from the ground. The bigger the game, Virat Kohli becomes this larger-than-life personality and brings out something special.” Ajay Jadeja spoke to Cricbuzz.
“Virat Kohli came out with a very clear mind”- Dinesh Karthik
India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik also spoke in the same conversation as he stated that the first boundary off Akeal Hossain got Kohli going. He also said that Kohli would be disappointed to get out after scoring fifty as he is one of the best players against pace in the last 5 overs.
“I think he came out with a very clear mind – he wanted to attack from ball one. There’s one shot that stands out. His first boundary off Akeal Hossein, just a flick off the pad, that’s genius. It’s very hard to hit such a shot and make it look much easier than it is. He’s a class act.
“It was so good to see him attack bowlers right from the outset and keep that momentum going. I know he would be disappointed but he’s one of those guys that if he crosses that phase, he’s one of the most destructive players in the last 5 overs as well,” Dinesh Karthik said.
Virat Kohli has been given a break for the rest of the T20I fixtures for India in the season. Now he will be back for the 2-match Test series against Sri Lanka starting on March 4.
Also read Rishabh Pant Was In A Perfect Mindset And Played A Mature Innings: Ajay Jadeja