Virat Kohli raves about Hardik Pandya: The Indian captain was vocal about the all-rounder and India reaching the semi-finals.
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With seven wins in nine matches, India captain Virat Kohli has led his team to the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. While India are currently the table-toppers, it might change if Australia 245 runs in 34 overs against South Africa.
Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, Kohli expressed surprised at reaching the semis with such a score. Extremely proud of his team, Kohli claimed the current Indian team to be the “most amazing team”.
“We wanted to play good cricket. To be honest, we didn’t expect this kind of scoreline heading into the semis. But that’s what consistent performances and hard work get you. Really proud and happy of our team. Most amazing team to be a part of. It is really a honor to play for India. More or less everything is set,” Kohli was quoted as saying.
The result of Australia’s match will determine if India will play New Zealand or England in the semi-finals. Much like his deputy Rohit Sharma, Kohli sounded perturbed with respect to whom to face in the knockout match.
“The opposition has never mattered. We don’t focus on what the opposition brings to the table. If we don’t play well anyone can beat us and if we play well we can beat anyone. The focus has to be within and we are confident of our skill sets.
“We just want to go out there in the semifinal and express our skills and strengths as a team. So regardless of who we will play, we want to play good cricket and get the result our way,” Kohli said.
Virat Kohli raves about Hardik Pandya
All-rounder Hardik Pandya’s consistency across divisions has played a vital role in India’s campaign in the tournament. Being asked about the same, the skipper raved about Pandya and expected him to perform in the same manner in the remaining matches.
Great Morale Booster before we head into the semis. Total dominating performance by #TeamIndia Short of words to describe how amazing @ImRo45 has been this whole #CWC19 Two more games to go but one at a time 😎 #INDvSL
— Siddharth Kaul (@sidkaul22) July 6, 2019
“He [Hardik Pandya] has been outstanding especially after being under the pump in the first 3-4 games, but he has come back beautifully, so he’s really motivated and is thinking like a batsman. He has a gut feel as to what the batter might do, so he’s trying different things.
“Even when he goes out to bat you can see that intent, he’s just switched on from ball one. It is amazing to have a cricketer like that who can bring in so much to the table. Hopefully two more performances from him and till now it has been wonderful to see his performances and passion for the team,” Kohli added.
