Virat Kohli reveals why Bhuvneshwar Kumar was selected: Indian captain was vocal about India’s bowling unit after beating Australia.
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During the 14th match of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 between India and Australia at The Oval, India defeated Australia by 36 runs to put on board their second consecutive victory in the tournament.
Speaking during the post-match presentation ceremony, India captain Virat Kohli opened up on how the Indian team wanted to beat Australia especially after losing the series 2-3 back home earlier this year.
“Top, top win for us after losing that series in India. We had a point to prove. We just came with intent, the opening stand was outstanding,” Kohli was quoted as saying.
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Other than praising Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan‘s 127-run partnership, Kohli was wax lyrical about his other batsmen as well. It was Kohli, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and wicket-keeper batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni who propelled India to 352/5 in their allotted quota of 50 overs.
“Hardik [Pandya], me, MS [Dhoni], it was a flat wicket, but we were very professional that’s always pleasing as a captain. You can’t take things for granted just because you have 350 on the board. [Game-plan] I held one up and Hardik could go from ball one. Those 30 runs gives you the luxury [while bowling],” Kohli said.
Virat Kohli reveals why Bhuvneshwar Kumar was selected ahead of Mohammed Shami
Before their tournament opener, India faced a major conundrum in choosing one out of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammed Shami as the second new-ball bowler. Going ahead with Bhuvneshwar, the bowler stood tall on the team management’s faith by registering bowling figures of 10-0-50-3. Dismissing Australia batsman Steve Smith (69) and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis (0) in the same over further decreased Australia’s chances of winning the match.
Many congratulations to the entire team. You guys make us proud @BCCI#IndvsAus #indiancricketteam #cricket #worldcup
— Amit Mishra (@MishiAmit) June 9, 2019
“If [Mohammed] Shami plays, it has to be proper overcast and bowling conditions. Bhuvneshwar [Kumar], with the new ball, old ball – the wickets of [Steve] Smith and [Marcus] Stoinis. These guys are very experienced. Very professional again. You hardly need to say anything to them,” Kohli added.
