Champions Trophy 2017 | Virat Kohli credits Sanjay Bangar and Raghavendra for his batting success

06/17/2017

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With the help of the unbeaten knock of 96 runs against Bangladesh in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy, Indian captain Virat Kohli became the fastest cricketer to score 8000 runs. He gave credit for his success to batting coach Sanjay Bangar and throwdown specialist Raghavendra.

During the semifinal match against Bangladesh, Kohli sent Sabbir Rahman’s ball to long-off and ran for a single. With this run he added an another feather in his cap, he became the fastest batsman to complete 8000 runs in one-day international cricket, beating South African captain AB de Villiers mark by seven fewer innings. Kohli reached this milestone in his 175th innings and de Villiers had taken 182 innings to reach to this run mark.

"I was feeling really good," Kohli said afterwards as quoted by The Hindu. "I wanted to give myself some time, 10-15 balls, I always do that. Last time around, we lost an early wicket, so I had to play with a bit more patience."

“Today was an opportunity to express myself. As I got going after 30-35, I grew in confidence and when you're coming onto the ball and hitting the short ball well, you know you're playing well."

The right-hand batsman didn’t forget to mention the name of Sanjay Bangar, India’s batting coach and Raghavendra, the team’s throwdown specialist from the NCA, for their contribution to his success.

“On a personal level, I can say that whatever improvements I've had in my batting over the last two years is because of these two. Their input is priceless, they have taken my batting to another level.”

Virat Kohli considered as the fittest cricketer in the Indian squad has worked hard on his workout routine and fitness and has set a high benchmark in the team. Bad performance in the IPL encouraged him to do stronger preparations for the ongoing tournament and everybody can see his efforts paying off on the field. The 28-year-old has scored 81*, 0, 76* and 96* in four innings of the tournament and has expressed happiness with his performance.

“I'm really enjoying the way I'm batting,” he said. “For me the number of runs do not matter at this stage. I'm really enjoying the process. It gives me joy that whatever I'm practising and how I prepared after the IPL is paying off in this tournament."

“I'm pretty happy getting the team across the line. It doesn't matter if it's three figures or two or even one."