Virat Kohli was asked to build his perfect ODI batter. He had to pick different skills from different players. Kohli chose Sachin Tendulkar’s straight drive. He picked up Kumar Sangakkara’s cover drive. He took Rahul Dravid’s flick. He selected Virender Sehwag’s cut shot. He chose Matthew Hayden’s sweep. He went with Chris Gayle for six-hitting. And he picked AB de Villiers for running between the wickets.
Fans noticed that MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma were not on the list. Kohli has shared many big partnerships with both players. But his choices were based on specific skills, not overall careers.
Kohli made these comments after a strong innings against West Indies. He scored 139 not out in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram. India chased down 296 and won by eight wickets. Kohli shared an important partnership with captain Shubman Gill. It was Kohli’s 55th ODI century. It was also his 86th international hundred.
During the innings, Kohli reached 15,000 ODI runs. He became only the second batter to do so, after Sachin Tendulkar. Kohli got there faster than Tendulkar. He also passed Tendulkar for the most ODI runs in India. Tendulkar had 6,976 runs at home. Kohli needed 110 runs to go past him.
Kohli spoke about his respect for Tendulkar and Dhoni. He said Tendulkar will always be Tendulkar. Dhoni will always be his first captain. He said those feelings will never change. Kohli also said he has never seen himself as someone who has achieved everything. He feels you never reach a point where you can say, “That’s it. I’ve done it.”
…Reveals What Drives Him in ODI Cricket After Match-Winning 139 Against West Indies
Virat Kohli has explained what drives him in ODI cricket. It is not the chase for personal records. It is the desire to win matches for India. He spoke after a strong performance against the West Indies in the first ODI.
Kohli scored 139 not out off 88 balls. His strike rate was 157.95. During the innings, he went past 15,000 ODI runs. He said reaching a big milestone on the way to a win feels special. He also said you cannot play for a long time if you only chase numbers. If you focus on records, you compromise the team’s main goal. He feels lucky to have played for so long.
In the match at Thiruvananthapuram, India chose to bowl first. Kuldeep Yadav bowled well. He took 4 for 40 in ten overs. The West Indies scored 295 for 7. John Campbell made 62. Justin Greaves scored 101. Amir Jangoo finished unbeaten on 58.
India then chased the target with ease. Rohit Sharma scored 32. Captain Shubman Gill and Kohli both hit centuries. Their partnership put India in control. India won by eight wickets. They now lead the three-match series 1-0.
The second ODI will be played on Wednesday, September 30. The venue is the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. India will look to extend their lead.
FAQs
Q. Which player’s straight drive did Virat Kohli choose?
A. Kohli chose Sachin Tendulkar’s straight drive.
Q. Whose six-hitting did Kohli select?
A. Kohli selected Chris Gayle’s six-hitting.
Q. Whose running between the wickets did Kohli choose?
A. Kohli chose AB de Villiers’ running between the wickets.
Q. How many runs did Kohli score against West Indies?
A. Kohli scored an unbeaten 139 runs.
Q. How many ODI runs has Kohli reached?
A. Kohli has reached 15,000 ODI runs.
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