India vs Windies | Virat Kohli praises bowlers at expense of rain-marred pitch in the first T20I

08/04/2019

Indian captain Virat Kohli lauded the bowling and fielding efforts of his team in the first T20I against the Windies at Lauderhill. India started off the three-match T20I series on a winning note with the bowlers stepping up right in time to hand India a four-wicket win in the low-scoring game.

Kohli didn’t have to do much yesterday while chasing a target of 96 as India secured a convincing victory. The bowlers had done their job in the first innings itself restricting West Indies to a total of 95/9 while Kohli praised his bowlers at the expense of the pitch that was affected by the preceding rains.

“The bowling and fielding was right up there. The pitch wasn't great to be honest, but they couldn't have done much with all the rain around and the covers being on for three odd days. They did a good job to get the game started. The bowlers were on top throughout,” said Kohli, reported ESPNCricinfo.

Debutant Navdeep Saini was exceptional with the ball on Saturday. The 26-year-old medium pacer produced commendable figures of 17/3 that helped India win. And Kohli heaped praises on the Delhi pacer during the post-match presentation.

“He(Saini) is a raw talent, has raw pace. He is one of them who can bowl 150 clicks and there are hardly any who bowl at that pace and he is fit. He is someone who can build a name for himself and he is hungry as well. Hopefully, he builds on from here. We would have liked to chase this four down maximum, that's how this pitch was. It was tough to get your shots away with the old ball. We just want to contribute as a team in the second game,” Kohli added.

India have taken a lead of 1-0 in the series and will play West Indies in the 2nd T20I, that’s scheduled on Sunday.