Virat Kohli explains why Indian batsmen played risky shots in 96-run chase vs West Indies

Kohli explains why Indian batsmen played risky shots: The Indian captain defended the batting unit for playing “risky shots”.

India captain Virat Kohli hailed India’s bowling and fielding performance which restricted West Indies to 95/9 in their allotted quota of 20 overs during the first first T20I between the two teams at Lauderhill.

“Bowling and fielding right up there, the pitch wasn’t great. With the rain around, you couldn’t do much, I guess. They did well to start the game on time. Bowlers were on top throughout, variations were superb,” Kohli was quoted as saying during the post-match presentation ceremony.

Each of the six bowling options which Kohli used ended up picking at least one wicket. The likes of debutant Navdeep Saini and the all-rounder duo of Krunal Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja even bowled a maiden over each.

Kohli was further wax lyrical about the 26-year old Saini, who was declared the Man of the Match for registering bowling figures of 4-1-17-3. Having dismissed Nicholas Pooran (20), Shimron Hetmyer (0) and Kieron Pollard (49), Saini dismissed the main batsmen in the opposition batting lineup.

“Navdeep [Saini] is from Delhi, he’s come a long way. Plays the IPL as well, had a great season. Raw talent, hardly any bowlers who can bowl 150 clicks, hopefully he builds on from here,” Kohli said,

Virat Kohli explains why Indian batsmen played risky shots

While the Indian batsmen were expected to dominate the chase, the second innings saw India lose as many as six wickets as they sealed the chase in the 18th over. Being asked about the batsmen’s performance, Kohli explained why his batsmen continued to play uncalled for “risky shots”.

While India wins this and leads 1-0, I have to say I am disappointed with Rishabh Pant. Really want him to respect the game a little more. Conditions, opponents and value the opportunities he is getting. Talent without performance is nothing.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) August 3, 2019

“We would’ve liked to chase it four down, but we wanted to take risks and take the scoreboard moving. As the ball got older, strike rotation became key. It’s just about putting in solid performance, ensure the guys who play contribute in some way or the other,” Kohli added.

About the author

Dixit Bhargav

Born and brought up in Pathankot, Dixit Bhargav is an engineering and sports management graduate who works as a Cricket Editor at The SportsRush. Having written more than 10,000 articles across more than five years at TSR, his first cricketing memory dates back to 2002 when former India captain Sourav Ganguly had waved his jersey at the historic Lord’s balcony. What followed for an 8-year-old was an instant adulation for both Ganguly and the sport. The optimist in him is waiting for the day when Punjab Kings will win their maiden Indian Premier League title. When not watching cricket, he is mostly found in a cinema hall watching a Punjabi movie.

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