After Team India’s win in the first ODI against New Zealand, former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has applauded Virat Kohli for batting freely. He added that the veteran batter now has the confidence that his teammates will do the job even if he gets
out as well.

“Exceptional, we have seen Virat Kohli over the years, and it’s not like we are seeing him score runs for the first time. However, you felt that he was feeling that he used to carry the entire team on his shoulders, but now these people are managing without him, so he can play freely,” he said while reviewing the game on SonyLIV

“He expressed himself. Many times, a senior player does what the team needs and bats till the end. However, now he also has confidence in the other players. So, it was a special knock, not that the match situation was difficult, but he entertained the fans who came to watch him in Auckland,” he further added.

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On Sony Sports, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar also shared that the New Zealand bowlers were targeting Virat Kohli with short balls and the way he played them.

“When there was no fielder in the deep, he played it in the air. So there was no risk. When there was a fielder in the deep, he played along the ground. He knew where the fielder was, and that’s extremely important. You have to hit the ball far from the fielder,” he replied.

“His bottom-hand game is extremely strong. He uses the top hand when he drives on the off side. When he plays on the on side, he plays a lot with the bottom hand. He batted extremely well. Tomorrow (November 5) is his birthday, and he gave a gift to the fans,” Gavaskar concluded.