India’s talisman Virat Kohli continues to churn out runs and with it, records. Kohli scored a magnificent unbeaten knock of 166 runs in the third ODI against Sri Lanka at the Greenfield Cricket Stadium, Trivandrum on Sunday.
The linchpin scored his 46th ODI century and broke as well as created many milestones. This was Kohli’s 21st century in home conditions and he went past his idol Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of 20 tons. This was Kohli’s second-highest score in ODI cricket and also his 10th hundred against Sri Lanka, which is the most for any batter against a particular opposition.
Kohli’s knock helped India in reaching a massive total of 390 runs and the home team went on to win by a huge margin of 317 runs as Sri Lanka was skittled out for a paltry 73. The former skipper revealed he has been in a good mindset since he took a long break before the Asia Cup.
Kohli added he doesn’t play for records and that all the accolades are because of the intent with which he plays. The 34-year-old went on to add that his aim is to always help the team win.
Virat Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match as well as the Player of the series for his fine performance. He said in the post-match presentation, “I have no idea (about the MoS awards he has won). For me, it’s just a byproduct of the intent I have, the mindset that I play with. Mindset is always to help the team win, bat for as long as possible and if you do that, you end up making a difference. I have always played for the right reasons, help the team as much as possible. It is just intent, playing for the right reasons. Ever since I came back from the long break, I have been feeling good. I don’t have that desperation to get to a milestone. I am just enjoying my batting, being in a space where I can relax. Today as well, I was just happy to be out there batting. I am in a nice space right now and want this to continue.”
On the other hand, Kohli showered praise on Mohammed Siraj, who took four wickets and conceded only 32 runs in his quota of 10 overs. Siraj was able to put the opposition on the back foot as he got the ball to move both ways and breathed down the neck of the batters with his accurate line and length.
Kohli added, “Shami has always been there for us but the way Siraj has come up has been outstanding. He has taken the maximum number of wickets in the powerplay, which was an issue for us early. He is always making the batters think, which is a great sign for us going into the World Cup.”
Kohli will look to continue his good form in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. The first ODI between India and New Zealand will be played in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
