Virat Kohli hints playing ‘surprise bowler’: The Indian captain hinted including a ‘lethal bowler’ for the semi-final against New Zealand.
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India captain Virat Kohli admitted that opening batsman Lokesh Rahul hasn’t got the limelight for his performance in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Expressing satisfaction in the way Rahul has adjusted throughout the tourney, Kohli expected him to continue his form in the remaining matches.
“It’s [opening the batting] a very important role. He had started slow which is understandable. It’s his first World Cup. He has come from another role [No. 4] to opening the batting. He is well-equipped to open the batting but it takes time to adjust mentally. He couldn’t express himself initially.
“[He] Played well against Pakistan and Bangladesh. But his standard of batting was visible in the last match [against Sri Lanka] and Bangladesh game. He is getting comfortable in his role. He understands that it’s an opportunity for a young player to play in his first World Cup especially an experienced opener [Shikhar Dhawan] isn’t playing,” Kohli was quoted as saying during the pre-match press conference in Manchester.
Virat Kohli hints playing ‘surprise bowler’
On being asked if India will play an extra bowler against New Zealand tomorrow, Kohli left in on the prevailing conditions. The 30-year old cricketer also talked about the presence of all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja adding depth to the batting department which might come handy while chasing a big total.
Soon, Kohli came up with a hilarious response regarding he introducing himself into the bowling attack as he has dismissed New Zealand captain Kane Williamson in the past. “You just told I got Kane [Williamson] out [in ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2008]. So, I can bowl anytime. I am quite lethal. As long as I don’t slip on the pitch [I can bowl]” Kohli said.
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