India vs Australia: “We played with heart and desire” – Virat Kohli looks back on ODI series

India vs Australia: “We played with heart and desire” – Virat Kohli looks back on ODI series

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli

India secured a consolation victory in the third ODI against Australia at the Manuka Oval in Canberra to prevent a 0-3 whitewash. In a match that swung like a pendulum, India proved to be the better side as they made us of some terrific hitting at the death to register a competitive total before bowling out their opponents.

Captain Virat Kohli was at the forefront of India’s charge in the first innings as he rescued the Indian innings that seemed to be going nowhere after a flurry of wickets. In the process, he also became the fastest batsman to score 12,000 runs in ODI cricket eclipsing the great Sachin Tendulkar. Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja then applied the final flourish to ensure India crossed 300.

In the chase, India stifled the Australian batsmen. However, explosive knocks from Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell looked to turn the game in the Australians’ favor before some crucial wickets towards the end by the Indian bowlers ensured India secured a 13-run win.

‘Hopefully we’ll take the momentum forward’ – Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli celebrates a wicket during the 3rd ODI

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli spoke about the match and how the confidence levels went up during and after it. “We were put under the pump in the first half and in the second half of Australia’s innings. Shubman and others in the team, it brings in a bit freshness. I think the pitch was much better for the bowlers. So the confidence levels go up. Playing international cricket for so long, that’s the challenge you face,” he said.

Kohli also expressed satisfaction with the performance and hope that the good form will continue. “We were clinical with the ball and in the field. Happy with the performance and hopefully we take the momentum forward. I would have liked to go on for a bit longer, but it was a great partnership between Pandya and Jadeja. The team needed that kind of a boost. Especially that’s needed when you play a team like Australia,” he signed off.

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