India vs England 2021: “I am going to open in the IPL” – Virat Kohli after crucial knock as opener in the fifth T20I


India vs England 2021: “I am going to open in the IPL” – Virat Kohli after crucial knock as opener in the fifth T20I

Virat Kohli

India sealed victory in a tense and hotly contested T20I series against England in the fifth and final T20I thanks to a stupendous batting performance that saw them score 224 runs. It was fashioned by superb knocks at the top of the order from skipper Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma who both got half-centuries and were well-supported by cameos from Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya.

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In the chase, England looked to be running away with the game while Dawid Malan and Jos Buttler were in the midst of a partnership but regular wickets ensured England could only get to 188 in the end as the series ended 3-2 in favor of the hosts. A three-match ODI series awaits before the teams disperse to their respective Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises ahead of the season that begins on April 9.

Virat Kohli on the series win and opening the innings

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli was awarded the Man of the Series for his three half-centuries in the series and the skipper spoke about the series win as well as the fifth T20I win. “It was a complete game for us. Totally outplayed the opposition. Even with so much dew coming in, like last game we’ve defended the total again. Today was a complete game. Despite Rishabh and Iyer not getting a chance we put on 225. Testimony to our batting depth,” he said.

“Today 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. Today it was classic Rohit Sharma. And then Surya coming in at three and taking the game even further away. Then Hardik finishing it,” Kohli added.

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Kohli then confirmed that he would open in the IPL as well. “I am going to open in the IPL as well. Have batted in different positions in the past. But I feel we have a solid middle order now. Will definitely like to partner Rohit at the top. Other guys feel a lot more confident when one of us is still in and is set. Augurs well for the team,” he said.

The ODI series begins in Pune on March 23.

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