Kohli on 2-1 series victory vs Australia: The Indian captain highlighted key points behind historic series victory in Australia.
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India captain Virat Kohli sounded of pride and honour during his speech in the post-match presentation ceremony as India registered their first-ever Test series victory in Australia. Having first toured Australia in 1947, it took India 72 years to win a Test series down under.
India also became the first Asian team to do the same in Australia. Kohli was ecstatic at leading his side to a milestone triumph. During the presentation ceremony, Kohli highlighted the reasons behind India’s win, crediting his batsmen in Cheteshwar Pujara, Mayank Agarwal and Rishabh Pant.
“We spoke about our batting as a team, wanted to do the basics. The old, hard grind. Special mention to Pujara, he’s been outstanding in the series, especially after his last time out in Australia. He’s one guy willing to accept things, he works on his game, he’s the nicest man around, and we feel happy for him.
“Special mention to Mayank Agarwal too, he stood up as a champion on Boxing Day. Speaks highly of his mindset, but as a batting group we all contributed. It’s something that augurs well with the team,” Kohli was quoted as saying.
The 30-year old cricketer also lauded his bowling unit which has been on a successful spree since the start of 2018. Kohli opined regarding these bowlers deserving all that they have achieved in the last year.
“The way the bowlers have dictated and dominated, not here but also in England and SA, it’s something I haven’t seen before. Hats off to them, the way they’ve prepared, their fitness levels, and their mindset. They discuss how to take wickets, and then they dictate their plans to me.
It’s a revelation in Indian cricket, and something for the bowlers at home to learn. These guys will be looked up to for a long, long time, and they deserve to break the record of the great West Indian fast bowlers,” Kohli said.
Not sounding over the top with his approbation, he also mentioned this victory being a ‘stepping stone’ for the team and reflected on the team having belief in overseas tours throughout the year.
“This is just a stepping stone for us. The average age is quite low, but most importantly we had the belief: we had that in SA and in England, and when you’re working in the right direction then God knows you’re honest. We want to do the best for Indian cricket, and this is outstanding, but it’s just a stepping stone,” he concluded.
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