Cricket

Watch: Virat Kohli gives witty reply to reporter questioning his decision to open

Virat Kohli defended his choice to open the innings in the T20I series, in which he recorded a string of low scores after an outstanding run in the Test and ODI series.

Watch: Virat Kohli gives witty reply to reporter questioning his decision to open

Virat Kohli might have been in the form of a lifetime in the last one year or more. However, that does not mean he will continue to hit a century in every game that he plays, and that an occasional failure or two must be taken with a pinch of salt.

That was the point that the Indian captain across formats was trying to make to a reporter following the third and final T20I against England, in which the visitors collapsed spectacularly to concede a 75-run loss, and the series 1-2. After being questioned on the three low scores that he recorded in the T20I leg of England's long tour of India, getting run-out for a meagre 2 in the third match, he was questioned over his choice to open the innings for Indian in the format.

"Nobody said anything when I scored four centuries in the IPL (last year) while opening the innings. And now everyone suddenly has a problem with a couple of low scores of mine. Back then people were describing me as a revelation.

"Do focus on other members of the team as well. If I end up doing everything, what will the others do. It's a great series win for us, and I'm more happy about that. I'm not worried about my opening slot at all. Had I scored 70 runs in two games (in this series), would you ask me this question?" Kohli was quoted as saying in the post-match press conference after the win.

While Kohli disappointed with the bat, a rare phenomenon given the roaring form that he was in the year 2016, others stepped up in his absence. Suresh Raina made his case for future selection after hitting a quickfire 63, while wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni hit his maiden T20I fifty to guide India to a score of 202/6, a decent score for the flat M Chinnaswamy pitch, but not impossible to chase down.

England were looking set at one point in their chase, with captain Eoin Morgan and Joe Root lifting the visitors to 119/2 from where they were starting to set their sights on the target. That was before Yuzvendra Chahal tore through the English batting order, scripting record figures of 6/25 as the tourists lost their last eight wickets for as many runs in a space of 18 deliveries.

Updated Date: February 02, 2017 14:42:26 IST

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