IND v SA | Even with the fight South Africa showed, we were always ahead, says Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli believes that his team were always ahead in the game despite the resistance shown by the South African batting and bowling unit throughout the first Test at Vizag. Courtesy of a five-fer from Mohammad Shami and a four-fer from Ravindra Jadeja on day five, India won the match by 203 runs.
When South Africa showed great character and skill to wrestle their way back from 39 for three to get to 431 all out in reply to India’s first innings total of 502 for seven, it seemed like the contest was more or less even. However, India’s captain maintained the perspective that his boys were made to grind harder for the win because of the heat and a slow pitch.
“The wicket played really good for the first three days. We lost a session. When you put 500 on the board, you're always ahead. Even with the fight they showed, we still had a lead. Rohit was outstanding, Mayank brilliant,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation, reported Cricbuzz.Â
“It was a hard grind because of the conditions, especially the weather conditions. And the pitch slowed down too,” Kohli said.Â
On subcontinent wickets, common sense has it that it is the spinners who will win teams Test matches. However, on day five, India’s fast-bowling unit once again proved their mettle, as Mohammad Shami ran through the South African top order and made the job easier for the spinners. Kohli praised his entire bowling unit and pointed out that it is the attitude of the fast bowlers that matter to him most.Â
“It's all about the attitude. If fast bowlers are going to think that spinners are going to do all the work, then it doesn't justify their place. They ask for shorter spells so they can give 100%. That's when you see guys like Shami, Ishant, Jasprit and Umesh as well doing well. It's all about wanting to make a play for the team even in conditions that are difficult, Kohli said.Â
“Jaddu and Ash again, really good. Pitch was flat, they got a few boundaries away. Always knew it was going to be a second innings pitch. Shami has been a strike bowler in the second innings,” Kohli continued.
After a near-flawless performance - their third successive win in the ICC Test Championship - India head to Pune with little to no worries, except maybe for the SG match balls.
“This lot of SG balls is much better than the last one. If it softens up, there's literally nothing happening after 40-45 overs. Will still like it to be harder till about 60 overs,” Kohli added.
