India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has showered praise on Virat Kohli amid the ODI series against the West Indies. Bahutule highlighted that Kohli wants to keep improving despite achieving so much in the game.
Kohli scored a magnificent knock of 139 runs off just 88 balls with the help of 10 fours and nine sixes at a strike rate of 157.95 against the Windies on Sunday. He added 151 runs with skipper Shubman Gill to put in a commanding position in the run-chase of 296.
The veteran also became the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to complete 15000 ODI runs and he got to the milestone in 74 innings quicker than the Master Blaster. This was Kohli’s 55th ODI century and his 86th International ton.
Sairaj Bahutule said in the pre-match press conference, “I think he is somebody who is just getting better with each series and each game. He is somebody who wants to improve in spite of achieving so much, which is fabulous. Rohit also being in the side, both of them just bring that experience into the side, which I think all the youngsters rub upon. They thrive upon their experience, the conversations they have. It is definitely something which helps the youngsters by their presence.
“Virat is somebody who is constantly working on his game and fitness levels. I think that is very much inspiring, not only to the players in the dressing room, but to a lot of players all over India,” he added.
The former Indian spinner admitted that they can not replicate the same pitches they are going to get in the South African conditions for the World Cup while playing at home.
“We can’t really replicate the same pitches that are going to be in South Africa. But as you saw in the previous game in Thiruvananthapuram, there was a lot of bounce and plenty of purchase for the fast bowlers and spinners, while it was also excellent to bat on.
“So, we might look at it as something similar to what we can expect in South Africa, where there will be bounce, there might be less turn and conditions could be helpful for the fast bowlers,” he added.
The second ODI between India and the West Indies will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, on Wednesday.
