IND v WI 2018: Virat Kohli lavishes praise on Rohit Sharma for his breathtaking 152*in Guwahati ODI

Kohli (140) and Rohit (152*) shared a massive 246-run partnership for the second wicket to help India chase down a daunting target of 323 with 7.5 overs to spare.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were in full flow in the first ODI against West Indies | AP

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has heaped praise on his deputy Rohit Sharma for his breathtaking 152* in the first ODI win against the West Indies at Guwahati on Sunday (October 21).

After losing Shikhar Dhawan (4) early, Kohli (140) and Rohit shared a massive 246-run partnership for the second wicket, helping India chase down a daunting target of 323 with almost eight overs to spare.

"It feels pretty good. It was very convincing for us. West Indies put up a really good total. 320 targets are very tricky, but we knew we could do it with a big partnership. It's never too difficult when you have Rohit at the other end," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"Among the top three, I mostly take the anchor role because both Rohit and Shikhar (Dhawan) are good stroke-makers," he added.

The Indian captain 107 deliveries for his herculean knock. Virat’s innings was laced with 21 boundaries and 2 sixes and he was rightfully adjudged Man of the Match.  

"It was one of those days where I felt good and I told Rohit I will continue to bat this way positively and maybe you can play the anchor role," Kohli asserted.

He further went on to say that building partnerships is the key to success in ODI cricket.

"When (Ambati) Rayudu came he took that role and Rohit took over from me. I think that's what ODI batting is all about. It's about communication and batting in partnerships. It's our 5th or 6th double-century partnership, it's a pleasure to bat with him (Rohit). When we are batting like that, it's good fun out there and we know the team will benefit from it as well," Virat stated.

The India captain refused to be too harsh on his bowlers for leaking runs but said they could have bowled much better at the death.

"You got to be honest to the sport and that is when the sport gives you back. It's difficult to contain when a side like West Indies bats like that. I don't want to be too harsh on the bowlers, but yes, we could have applied a bit better and bowled better in the last few overs. That is something to learn for us," Kohli concluded.

On the other hand, Windies skipper Jason Holder felt Kohli and Rohit were too good for them despite posting a challenging total on the board. He also hailed the 21-year-old Shimron Hetmyer, who scored 106 off 78 balls to help the visitors post a dominating total.

"Pleased with the guys for the batting effort. Hetmyer batted exceptionally well. We needed to be a lot more decent with the ball. Probably we got a par score," Holder said.

"(But) credit to Kohli and Rohit for taking the game away from us. Oshane (Thomas) is one of the exciting talents we have got. Hopefully we can play better in the second game," he further added.

Visakhapatnam will host the second ODI between India and West Indies on Wednesday (October 24).

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 22 Oct, 2018

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