Rohit Sharma heaps praise on Virat Kohli’s glorious half-century against WI in 2nd T20I

Rohit Sharma heaps praise on Virat Kohli’s glorious half-century against WI in 2nd T20I: Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has poured praises on former Indian captain Virat Kohli for showing positive intent in the 2nd T20I game against West Indies in the Eden Gardens. Highlighting Kohli’s innings, Sharma said that the half-century was very critical for the team to get off to a decent start.

Virat set the stage at Eden Gardens on fire right from the onset and put the opposition under pressure. Team India were reeling on 10/1 when Virat came to bat, following the wicket of Ishan Kishan, and the cricketer straight away pulled off a couple of exquisite shots.

He soaked in the pressure after the wicket of Ishan Kishan and helped India to get underway with a decent powerplay score. 

Speaking on the importance of Virat Kohli’s innings, Sharma said, “Very important, that innings of his. He took the pressure off me as well. We didn’t start well in the first two overs.”

Kohli scored magnificent 52 runs from 41 deliveries with the help of seven fours and a six. 

Meanwhile, Rohit also showered credits on Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer’s innings at the backend of the innings.

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“Great finish in the end by Rishabh and Venky Iyer,” said Rohit Sharma during the post-match presentation.

Rishabh Pant scored an unbeaten knock of 52 runs from mere 28 deliveries which included seven boundaries and a maximum. Venkatesh Iyer, on the other side, whacked 33 runs from 18 deliveries with the help of four boundaries and a six.

“Very happy to see how he has progressed. To see such maturity is very pleasing. He backs his skills and that is what every captain wants. In the end, he wanted to bowl one over as well. We need such characters in our team,” said Rohit lauding all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer.

Owing to the valiant efforts from Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer, India finished its innings on 185 runs in the loss of six wickets.

West Indies fell eight runs short of the target and lost the match as well as the T20I series in the second game only. For the visitors, Nicholas Pooran smacked his second consecutive half-century while Rovman Powell played one hell of an innings. Powell tonked 68 from 38 balls with the help of five sixes and four boundaries.

India have sealed both ODI and T20I series against West Indies. The third T20I will be held on the same ground on 20th February.

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