Virat Kohli ecstatic with the series win, talks about changes for 6th ODI

Virat Kohli was a happy and content man at the post match presentation tonight.

Having created history by captaining the Indian side to its first ever ODI series win in South Africa, Virat Kohli wanted to appreciate the effort of the boys and the team management, and congratulate everyone who made this series win possible.

Talking about the 5th ODI, Kohli was glad that India could pull through, playing the important moments better and never letting South Africa really settle into the match.

“Very pleased. Another convincing win for us and I thought the guys really got stuck in, with the bat, with the ball and on the field as well. It was a complete performance from us which was important to put together after the last game.” Kohli said.

“Only one team had the pressure of losing the series right from the start and that was South Africa. We knew that a few mistakes and we’d be right back in the game. ” he added.

After the disappointment of the 4th ODI, it was important for the Indian team to re-group and reassess a few strategies and they did that beautiully, not changing a lot, and just reminding themselves of the first 3 ODIs and how they outplayed South Africa in all of those matches.

Kohli was also reminiscent about the 3rd Test at the Wanderers and how it gave the Indian contingent that belief of being able to win in foreign conditons, something that had taken a huge dent after the drubbing that the Indian side received in the first Two tests.

“Right from the third Test in Jo’burg it has been a great time for us. We’ve been playing some really good cricket and it has been a collective effort from the team-mates, the support staff and everybody; feels wonderful to be 4-1 up.” the Indian skipper said.

Talking about India’s middle order woes and that most of the work had been done by the Top 3 and the wrist spinners, Kohli was supportive about his players, explaining how it is sometimes difficult for everyone to click at the same time.

“When three guys at the top are playing well and scoring consistently, every now and then you get an opportunity where you might not click, and when this series is wrapped up we’ll look to think about what we can do to improve and strengthen as we move forward. Every team has a vision of the 2019 World Cup and that’s what we need to plan for, but for now 4-1 seems great and we’ll look to wrap it up well” the victorious Indian captain said.

Pollock then went onto ask if India would be testing its bench strength in the 6th ODI, Kohli was tending towards saying that India would in fact try and test its bench strength.

“We want to win 5-1 for sure, that doesn’t change, but there’ll be a chance for others to step in as well. The first priority is to win and we’ll do anything to do that again.” Kohli concluded.