India vs South Africa: Rohit Sharma played his best ever innings in ODI format, says Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma finally found his form, after going through a difficult phase. In the match against South Africa, Rohit Sharma constantly made pressure on the bowlers, he put up great partnerships with Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and MS Dhoni as team India achieved the 228 run target with 15 balls remaining. Rohit played a magnificent innings with 122 of 144 balls, having hit 12 fours and 2 sixes, and remained not out.
Skipper Virat Kohli after the match went on to say that Rohits Sharma’s 122 not out in their ICC World Cup 2019 opener against the Proteas was the opener’s finest ODI innings. Rohit Sharma Played a match winning knock as the men in blue began their campaign with a 6 wicket victory.
Virat Kohli was all praises for Rohit Sharma for showing a lot of composure and temperament during the start of India’s 228 run chase at the Ageas Bowl. Virat also pointed out that it’s not easy to remain composed when the ball is zipping away as it did on Wednesday when Rabada and Chris Morris bowled a couple of unplayable deliveries with the two new balls.
In the first 10 overs, it was quite difficult for Rohit as we saw him getting beaten and even got lucky when Faf du Plessis missed a tough chance but the Indian opener remained solid and stuck around.
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"I think, in my opinion, this is by far his [Rohit Sharma] best ODI innings because of the kind of pressure the World Cup opener brings with it. I know as a batsman when you go in and a few balls bounce like that, it's not easy to gather yourself again and play in a calm manner," said Virat Kohli.
"A lot of times batsmen tend to hit their way out of the situation. He was very composed. He has played so many games and we expect a lot of composure and maturity from him.”
"Of all the brilliant innings he has played, this, for me, is on top of the pile because of the way he paced his innings. At no stage, he felt like he was going to throw it away. He played the perfect innings for that kind of a situation and that kind of an attack." Virat added
India was the last team in the World Cup 2019 to kick start their campaign. Indian captain also asserted that the team is happy after having started the tournament on a winning note.
"It was a very professional effort from us. It was a low-scoring game, not the kind of total that you see in ODI cricket these days. That because of the way the pitch played. We're pretty happy with the way we played. It's very important to start well," Virat added.
India will face Australia in their next match at the Oval on Sunday.
First published: 6 June 2019, 11:13 IST
