India’s talisman batter Virat Kohli expressed his gratitude after he scored his 45th ODI century in the first ODI against Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Tuesday. Kohli had the rub of the green on his side as he was dropped on 52 runs by Sri Lankan wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis.
Subsequently, Kohli had another reprieve as Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka bungled the right-hander’s catch when he was on 81. Kohli went on to make the most of his two chances as he scored a fine hundred, reaching the milestone in 80 balls.
The talisman took his time in the early stage of his innings after the Indian openers – Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill – added a brilliant alliance of 143 runs. Kohli went on to score 113 runs off just 87 balls with the help of 12 fours and one six and helped India post a gargantuan score of 373 runs.
The veteran had to go through a rough patch in the last couple of years and he was happy to make the most of his two chances.
Virat Kohli said after the innings break, “I have had bit of a break, and a couple of practice sessions coming into this game, so I was fresh after that Bangladesh tour. I was excited for the home season to start. The openers allowed me to get into the game and I tried to keep my strike rate in check. I was happy I was able to maintain the tempo and we finished with 370. I would take those (dropped chances) any day. Luck plays a big part, you need to thank god on such evenings.”
He added, “These evenings are important, pretty aware of that. Thankful that I made the most of that luck presented to me. I helped the team get 20 runs extra, rather than 350. It’s going to be the same thing. Someone will have to score a 150, or 140 to chase this down. But it also gives our bowlers a chance to bowl with dew coming into play. I am quite aware of what I eat, diet is the most important thing at this age. That keeps me in prime shape. That helps me give my 100 percent for the team.”
Kohli holds the key for India and he will look to continue the good show in the upcoming matches. Apart from Kohli, Rohit Sharma also got back into form as he scored a decent knock of 83 runs whereas Shubman Gill scored 70 runs.
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