Virat Kohli has hinted that he could continue opening the innings with Rohit Sharma in T20Is since it gives more balance to the side. The pair put on a 94-run opening stand that provided the platform for the comprehensive victory on Saturday.
“Yes, I’m going to open in the IPL as well,” said the India captain. “I have batted in different positions in the past. We do have a solid middle order now... it’s about the two best players getting maximum number of balls in T20 cricket. I’d like to partner Rohit at the top and the other guys feel confident when one of us is in and set. I’d like that to continue.”
Kohli, who was adjudged Man of the Series, praised Suryakumar Yadav’s 32 off 17 balls that helped them maintain the momentum after Rohit’s dismissal.
“It was a complete game for us. We totally outplayed the opposition. Even with so much dew coming in, like the last game we’ve defended the total again. Despite Rishabh and Shreyas Iyer not getting a chance to bat we put on 224.
It was a testimony to our batting depth.
“Today Rohit and me were both positive in our intent. We knew we could trust each other and one of us can play second fiddle if one takes off. Today it was classic Rohit Sharma. And then Surya coming in at No.3 and taking the game even further away. Hardik finished it nicely. I do feel we have a solid middle order now.”
Kohli couldn’t stop counting the positives.
“The arrival of Ishan Kishan and Surya has pleased me... Ishan was brilliant (earlier in the series) but I was
particularly pleased with Surya. Hardik and Bhuvi coming back and bowling like that... Still have Jassi (Jasprit Bumrah) to come back. Don’t have much in terms of negatives.
“Nattu (Natarajan) came back in and bowled two crucial overs today. Pant has shown maturity to bat in difficult situations and it has been a series of plusses for us. The confidence levels of Shardul Thakur after the Test series in Australia is sky-high... even with the bat. Proper, proper cricketer,” he said.
For Bhuvneshwar Kumar it was a superb comeback from injury. The Man of the Match finished with 2 for 15, but more importantly, bowled 17 dot balls in his four overs.
“Good to be back and contributing to the team. Feeling good body-wise, bowling with the new ball and death overs,” Bhuvneshwar said.
“It was good to take few wickets. When you get a wicket with a new ball in the first over with an inswinger, it gives you confidence.”
Shardul Thakur, who took three for 45 was ecstatic.
“It feels great as wickets don’t matter, winning the game matters more,” the pacer said.
“I think our bench strength has become better. Whoever comes into the team, gels nicely. The seniors make the youngsters feel comfortable and so does the coaching staff. I think it’s all about intent and hardwork. If you believe in your abilities, wickets will eventually fall. And you need to take it on from there.”
