Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Disney+Hotstar)
After a roller coaster of emotions and countless interruptions, India finally bagged all two points against Pakistan in the Super Fours clash at the R Premadasa in Colombo. After the game, Virat Kohli opened up on his fitness, recovery, match preparation and much more. The 34-year-old also said he has never played back-to-back ODI matches on consecutive days in his international career.
“It’s the first time I have done anything like this in 15 years of cricket. Luckily, we are Test players, so we know how to come back the next day and play. Recovery is crucial. It was humid out there today. I am 35 in November, so I need to take care of my recovery. A big shoutout to the ground staff from my side,” Virat Kohli said in a post-match presentation.
Coming to the game, Babar Azam called right at the toss and put India to bat first. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill came all guns blazing right from the get-go and took the attack to Shaheen Afridi to put Pakistan on the backfoot. The opening duo stitched a quick-fire 121-run partnership before Pakistan’s Shadab Khan drew first blood, sending Rohit Sharma back to the pavilion for 56.
Shubman Gill followed his skipper back as Afridi got rid of the opener with a smart change of pace delivery for 58. It was all Virat Kohli and KL Rahul thereafter, as the duo put on a 233-run partnership to take India to a massive 356-run total. Virat Kohli scored 122*, while Rahul smashed 111*.
Pakistan had a mountain to climb, but they did not make their job any easier with a tentative start. Jasprit Bumrah sent in-form Imam-ul-Haq packing for just nine, while Hardik Pandya knocked Babar Azam over with a peach that jagged back in. Rohit Sharma introduced Kuldeep Yadav, and the wrist-spinner spun a web around Pakistan, claiming five wickets for just 25 runs in eight overs. India won the match by 228 runs, while Virat Kohli was awarded Player of the Match for his sensational knock. India take on Sri Lanka at the R Premadasa in Colombo on Tuesday, September 12.