Virat Kohli : Small targets are always tricky to chase

India secured the ODI series, against Sri Lanka, after registering a third successive victory in the five match ODI series by 6 wickets. In the match, Sri Lanka, yet again, failed to give India a competitive target to chase scoring just 217 runs in their allotted 50 overs. However, like they had done in the last match, the Indian top order, with the exception of Rohit Sharma, crumbled under pressure as the visitors found themselves at 61/4. 

"Small targets are always tricky. If it happens 2-3 times, it isn’t an issue. We’ve chased small targets convincingly before. Here it was the case of the wicket being a little challenging. A couple of those wickets, you wouldn’t get those wickets 8 out of 10 times," Kohli said as reported by PTI.

However, Rohit and MS Dhoni took the responsibility to consolidate the innings and courtesy of an unbeaten 157 run stand between the duo, India secured the series with two games to play.  

"Rohit was outstanding, MS was great as well. These things happen, the guys will learn in the middle order, we have to be patient with them,” Kohli said.

Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliant performance helped India wrap up the Sri Lankan innings for 217 runs as he picked his first five wicket haul in ODIs. Kohli also praised the pacer for his contribution in the first innings that set up the match for the batsmen.

"Bumrah’s got 11 wickets in three games, he’s bowled really well, he’s among our top short-format bowlers at the moment. He hits the right areas, bowls at pace, and in the death overs he’s like a fish in water.

"We have a squad of 15, we’ll look to give some guys a go, see how their game stands up in different situations. We’ve won three, and we can definitely afford to give them a few opportunities," Kohli said.