Virat Kohli looks to open with Rohit Sharma through to World Cup | Cricket News – Times of India
“It was a complete game. Despite Rishabh and Iyer not getting a chance we managed to put on 225. It’s a testimony to our batting depth. Rohit and me were both positive in our intent. We knew we could trust each other and one of us can play second fiddle if one takes off,” Kohli said.
“Today (on Saturday) it was classic Rohit Sharma. And then Surya coming in at three and taking the game even further away from England. Then Hardik coming in and finishing it.”
Talking about his role as an opener, the captain said, “I am going to open in the IPL as well. I have batted in different positions in the past.
“But I feel we have a solid middle order now. I would like to partner Rohit through to the 2021 World Cup. It’s about two best batsmen batting most balls. If anyone of us can stay on, we can cause a lot of damage. Other guys feel a lot more confident when one of us is still in and is set.”
Praising the youngsters in the team, Kohli said, “It was good to see how Shreyas batted in the last game and the responsibility he showed in the first game.
“Ishan was brilliant. And I was particularly pleased with Surya. Rishabh Pant showed a lot of maturity through the series as well. And the confidence level of Shardul after that series in Australia is sky high. With the ball his strength is his belief. He is a proper cricketer who gives us runs with the bat as well,” Kohli said of the gains from the T20 International series.
England skipper Eoin Morgan said that the hosts completely outplayed them and deserved to win the series.
“Playing against a strong Indian team in their conditions was fantastic. It was another fantastic game. India outplayed us in big moments and deserved to win. But lots of positives for us. We bat quite deep, and we tend to take advantage of that,” Morgan told host broadcaster at the post-match presentation.
WITH INPUTS FROM AGENCIES
