Kohli on scoring 10,000 ODI runs: “Pretty proud of my innings and my milestone”

Kohli on scoring 10,000 ODI runs: The Indian captain took pride in his milestone and his 37th ODI century.

During the second ODI of the ongoing Windies’ tour of India at Visakhapatnam, the match ended in a thrilling tie. Chasing 322 runs to win, with three spinners on a suitable wicket, India were considered the favourites to win.

However, a 143-run partnership for the fourth wicket saw Windies coming back into the match. It was Shai Hope’s 123* (134) which made sure that Windies doesn’t lose the match.

Speaking to Murali Kartik during the post-match presentation, Kohli said that he enjoyed the ‘great game of cricket’. “First of all, I would like to say it was a great game of cricket. Full house,” Kohli said.

Lending praise to the opposition, Kohli was quoted, “Credit to the West Indies as well. They showed great heart and fight. Specially in the second innings, after they were three down, Hetmyer and Hope stuck it out.”

Becoming the fastest ever batsmen to score 10,000 ODI runs, Kohli said that he was proud of his effort. “Pretty proud of my innings and my milestone,” he said.

There were some apprehensions regarding India’s decision of winning the toss and electing to bat on a ground which has a good record for chasing. On being asked about the same, Kohli said that it was a team decision.

“It’s something that we decided pre-game. Everyone was of the opinion we wanted to bat first because it was hot and humid and also in the big games, in world cups, you might have to put runs on the board and defend. The pitch was drastically different in the second innings.

“We were looking at 275-280 only, but I got going and we got those extra runs. We had a challenge in front of us today and luckily we got away with a tie and we’ll take that at the end of the day,” the Indian captain added.

Kohli agreed to the fact that there were some nervous moments in the Indian camp in the second innings. “When the run-rate fell under six, I thought they were in a strong position but Kuldeep got a wicket, Chahal bowled a brilliant over and Umesh and Shami closed it out.

“One boundary off Umesh off the shoe and one in the end, a couple of inches from Rayudu from pulling it in. That’s how the game goes. We should all just enjoy it and not keep pulling at strings. I’ve enjoyed being a part of it and West Indies certainly deserved a draw for the way they played”, he further added.

In the first innings, Kohli and India’s No. 4 in Ambati Rayudu had stitched a 139-run partnership for the third wicket. Post the first innings, Rayudu spoke highly about Kohli, saying that he was on another level altogether.

On being asked about batting with Rayudu, Kohli appreciated his professionalism and again laid emphasis on continuing with him at No. 4. “Rayudu was really professional. He’s someone we’re looking at to be a permanent No. 4. He plays spin well, he plays pace wlel, he’s in good momentum, in good form,” Kohli concluded.

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