The second ODI of the five-match series between India and West Indies resulted in a tie in Visakhapatnam. However, there was a situation when the Windies were looking get over the line with a decent amount of balls to spare, but the Indian bowlers did a much better job in the slog overs. However, Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s decision of batting first after winning the toss at the place where dew is guaranteed was scrutinized, but he stood by his decision which nearly backfired.
Talking about the same during the post-match presentation ceremony, Virat said, “Everyone wanted to bat first as it was hot and humid. But in hindsight, in big tournaments like the World Cup or Champions Trophy, we might be batting first and we have to embrace everything that comes our way. The pitch was drastically different in the first and the second innings. We were looking at 275-280 but then I got going and we got those 30-40 runs extra. It was a great game of cricket and it’s wonderful to be a part of it. Credit to the West Indies team as they showed great heart, especially in the second innings, when they got stuck in despite being three down.”
The Windies needed 22 runs in the last three overs with 5 wickets in hand and they were looking to steal the game away from India. However, India was able to hold their nerve. Kohli was all praise for the efforts of his bowlers in the last three overs, as well as Kuldeep Yadav who picked wickets at crucial times and kept India alive in the contest.
WATCH – Virat Kohli Smashes Two Sixes In An Over
Talking about the bowlers, Kohli said, “When the run rate fell under six, I thought they were in a strong position to finish off well, but then Kuldeep got us back in the game. Chahal bowled a brilliant 47th over and Shami, Umesh came back beautifully. And the game nicely drifted in the last 7 overs. In the end, we had got the game but then one boundary off Umesh changed the course of the match. In the end, Windies deserved a draw at least and I think we did well to sneak in a draw.”
Kohli had all praises for Shai Hope, who made a brilliant century, as well as Shimron Hetmyer, who followed up his ton in the first match with a destructive 94 in Vizag.
The Indian skipper said, “It was a beautiful partnership between both those guys but the way two teams played it was a fair result. have been watching Shai for a while now. He played that brilliant knock against England when they were chasing in the fourth innings. Hetmyer as well, credit to him. Hats-off to their strokeplay. I want to congratulate Shai on his hundred.”
WATCH – A Thrilling Last Over Of The Vizag ODI
While Kohli was named as the man of the match for his 37th ODI century on the day he crossed 10,000 career runs, he praises the efforts of Ambati Rayudu, who joined him in the ninth over and constructed a 139-run partnership with him that allowed India to set a strong base. Rayudu, who has been identified by Kohli as the solution for India’s number four conundrum, made 73 in 80 balls.
Talking about him, Virat said, “I thought Rayudu was very professional today. I have mentioned before that he is someone we are looking at as a permanent number four. He reads situations very well. He plays spin really well and plays fast bowling really as well. He is a smart cricketer and very aware. He is in a good momentum and good form.”
Kohli concluded by talking about his milestone as he said that he is proud of his innings in the crucial game as he surpassed the landmark of 10,000 ODI runs and become the fastest batsman (in terms of innings) to do so.
