Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth hailed Virat Kohli for his attacking batting en route to an incredible 139* off 88 deliveries in the first ODI against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram. The 37-year-old mastered another run chase, helping India run down the West Indies’ 295 with ease in the 42nd over.
It was Kohli’s record-extending 55th ODI century, and the champion batter also became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to reach 15,000 ODI runs. However, the veteran right-hander became the fastest to reach 15,000 runs, in just 303 innings.
Talking about Virat Kohli’s match-winning knock, Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel, Cheeky Cheeka (1:18):
“Nothing ever goes wrong when he’s batting. 158 strike rate, my god. He’s playing like it’s the IPL. He is hitting effortless sixes. The way he balances between sixes and running between the wickets is amazing. And his recent interview shows how humble he is. He’s giving all the credit to god, which is amazing. It’s very important for youngsters to be more grounded like this.”
Srikkanth added:
“He’s enjoying his game with real passion, determination and a sense of commitment. He is smiling more on the ground and is energetic. He looks very content with his overall life, because of which he’s not over-trying. He’s such a dedicated guy.”
Kohli is enjoying one of his best ODI years, averaging over 87 at a strike rate of 116.74 in seven outings.
“Virat Kohli took him to school and tore him to pieces” – Kris Srikkanth’s scathing remark on Alzarri Joseph
Kris Srikkanth blasted the West Indian pace attack, specifically speedster Alzarri Joseph, for their inept showing in the series opener against India. Joseph was woeful with the ball, despite dismissing Rohit Sharma, finishing with figures of 1/81 in nine overs.
The other two frontline pacers, Jayden Seales and Matthew Forde, combined to concede 71 runs off 12 wicketless overs.
“It’s joy for the batters when Alzarri Joseph comes into bowl. Virat Kohli took him to school and tore him to pieces. I don’t know how he is even playing. This West Indian pace attack is woeful. They have neither pace, bounce, nor movement,” said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).
India’s resounding win has them up 1-0 in the best-of-three series, with the West Indies in a must-win situation in the second ODI in Guwahati on September 30.
Edited by Venkatesh Ravichandran
