I’m really satisfied: Kohli
First Published : 18 Mar 2012, 22:35
Last Modified : 18 Mar 2012, 22:42
Mirpur, Mar 18: Virat Kohli led India’s run chase against Pakistan with a magnificent 148-ball 183 runs to keep his team’s hopes of defending the Asia Cup title alive. Vice-captain Kolhi found able allies in Sachin Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma who helped bring the team within sniffing distance of the victory.
Man-of-the-Match Virat Kohli spoke about his brilliant innings, and India’s highest ever run chase, in a brief interview at the presentation.
Excerpts:
On his match-winning effort
Well, I still can’t believe what happened out there, honestly. It was a crunch game for us again. To be able to execute my plans for the team’s cause in an important game against a tough opposition – I’m really satisfied [with that].
On deflecting the pressure of the loss of the early wicket of Gautam Gambhir
I had one thing in mind – it is a good wicket to bat on so [I must] build a big partnership. We have seen that with one wicket on the board, and with 130-140 runs, the opposition starts thinking [about their strategy]. If you get four or five boundaries in between, [then] the game can turn your way. So we were just waiting for those three or four overs of 20 or 15 runs and we just kept wickets in hand and that was the key.
On batting with Rohit Sharma, another future star for India
Oh, yes! I am a big fan of Rohit Sharma, actually. I love watching him bat and he is a brilliant talent and it was a pleasure batting with him out there. And to play with Sachin Tendulkar as well. It is one of the best chases that we have had and we are really satisfied with that.
On rating this knock
I knew you would ask me that because I had said in Hobart, ‘This is my best knock’. This [183-run knock today is] also special. I would rate both of them equally, I guess.
On negotiating the Pakistan bowlers who have been in good form for the last year
It is satisfying because they are a great bowling unit and they haven’t given away many runs. To be able to chase 330 against them is a good feeling. They are really quality bowlers so we are really happy with that.
