Virat Kohli starred with the bat for India in the team’s thumping 317-run victory over Sri Lanka at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday (January 15).
Batting at No. 3, Kohli slammed 166 not out off 110 balls, propelling the Men in Blue to a gigantic 390/5 in 50 overs. His knock was studded with 13 fours and 8 sixes.
It was Virat’s second century in this series and his 46th ton in the 50-over format. He was deservedly given the Player-of-the-Series award after the hosts completed a 3-0 clean sweep.
Speaking after the game, Virat Kohli once again reiterated how taking a one-month break before the Asia Cup last year helped him rejuvenate.
“I have no idea (about the Player-of-the-Series award he won). For me, it's just a byproduct of the intent I have, mindset that I play with. Mindset is always to help the team win, bat for as long as possible and if you do that, you end up making a difference. I have always played for the right reasons, help the team as much as possible. It is just intent, playing for the right reasons,” the former India skipper said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Ever since I came back from the long break, I have been feeling good. I don't have that desperation to get to a milestone. I am just enjoying my batting, being in a space where I can relax. Today as well, I was just happy to be out there batting. I am in a nice space right now and want this to continue,” he added.
Defending the huge total, Indian bowlers ran through the Sri Lankan batting line-up, bundling out the visitors for a paltry 73 in 22 overs.
While Mohammed Siraj returned with the remarkable bowling figures of 4/32 in his 10 overs, Mohammad Shami (2/20) and Kuldeep Yadav (2-16) shared four scalps between them.
Hailing the Indian bowlers, Kohli said: “Shami has always been there for us but the way Siraj has come up has been outstanding. He has taken the maximum number of wickets in the powerplay, which was an issue for us early. He is always making the batters think, which is a great sign for us going into the World Cup.”
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
