Kohli and Gill slammed stunning hundreds in the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka.
Opting to bat first, the Men in Blue piled up a gigantic 390/5 in their stipulated 50 overs on the back of stunning centuries from Kohli (166* off 110 balls) and Gill (116 off 97 balls). The duo was also involved in a 131-run partnership for the second wicket.
After India completed a 3-0 clean sweep, Kohli and Gill introduced the team’s throwdown specialists Raghu, Nuwan, and Daya in a heartwarming gesture during their interview for bcci.tv.
Introducing the aforementioned support staff, Virat said: “This is Raghu, Daya, Nuwan – they challenge us every day with 145 kmph, 150 kmph, practice sessions are so intense, make us ready for the match, they had played a big role in my success, so everyone should remember their faces and names so thank you, guys.”
“To be honest, They’ve given us world-class practice on a daily basis and they challenge us in the nets. A lot of credit goes to them for our success, their contribution has been unbelievable.
“And tell how we will face if we have to play ball at the speed of 14-150KMPH on the field. He always gets us out and keeps testing us,” he added.
It was Virat Kohli’s second century in this and he deservedly won the Player-of-the-Match award. He also bagged the Player-of-the-Series award for his 283 runs in three ODIs.
“To be honest they make the biggest difference in my career. The cricketer I was before this kind of practice and where I am today, most of the credit goes to him. Who made us practice daily. I think Shubman must be feeling the same way. His contribution is incredible. You must remember their faces and names because this is the reason behind our success,” said the former India captain.
Coming to the match, Sri Lanka’s innings folded for a paltry 73 in just 22 overs. It was a listless batting display from the tourists as no one managed to touch the 20-run mark. Opener Nuwanidu Fernando was the top scorer with 19.
Mohammed Siraj was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball for the hosts, picking four wickets by conceding only 32 overs in his four overs. The right-arm pacer ran through Sri Lanka’s top order and also affected Chamika Karunaratne’s run out.
Mohammad Shami (2-20) and Kuldeep Yadav (2-16) also shared four scalps between them, helping India register the biggest-ever win by margin of runs in ODIs.