virat kohli: India vs England: a ‘special talk’ with AB de Villiers helped Virat Kohli get back to his best | Cricket news

AHMEDABAD: Shifting his focus to the basics and a “special talk” with his teammate Royal Challengers Bangalore Villiers AB Helped the patron of India virat Kohli return to their best level in the second international T20 against England here on Sunday.
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Kohli, who did not have the best of times in the previous test series by his standards and came off cheap in the first T20, hit an undefeated 73 of 49 balls to propel India to a seven-wicket victory.
“I had to refocus on the basics. Probably thinking of too many external variables. I always prided myself on doing work for the team, so happier about that than scoring 70 odd points,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.

“I kept my eye on the ball. Management talked to me about things. Anushka is here, so she keeps talking to me about things too. And I had a special talk with AB de Villiers before this game and he told me to just watch. the ball. So I did it, “added the captain.
He shared a 94-run position for the second wicket with rookie Ishan Kishan, who made a sensational 56 of 32 balls.

“Special mention to Ishan. I tried to do what I could, but it just took the game away from the rivals. Quality tackles on debut … We’ve seen him hit the international fast pitchers for six big. I knew he was hitting the big six. The ball was fine but it was calculated, not reckless. Today that counterattack inning from him and our association was something the team needed, “said Kohli praising the young southpaw.
The India captain also praised his players for limiting England to 164 out of six.
“I think we checked all the boxes we wanted, especially in the first innings with the ball. To give away only 34 in the last five (overs), he was a very smart bowler, especially Washy (Washington Sundar). A southpaw to throw and used better the big limit for the right-handed “.

Kohli is happy that his all-rounder Hardik Pandya has returned to bowling regularly, having regained his physical shape after undergoing back surgery.
“I appreciate Hardik that he is throwing us at least 3 overs in every game. And (for) the next six to eight months, he has promised that he is going to commit everything to be the all-rounder the team needs in all three formats. He plays for him. team at all times and these types of players are priceless. ”
England captain Eoin Morgan credited India for playing well in death overs.
“I think in the middle of the stage, we were in and around par. We were in the game, but I thought we would have to shoot well to get over the line. I think India did well,” said the away team captain.

“This was a different pitch than we (used) for the first game, less pace. And then they came out and put us on our back foot almost from the start, and we didn’t have a counter, which was disappointing.”
“We want to learn as much as possible from tonight. I’m glad I played on this type of terrain tonight, but I’m disappointed in the way we play. Statistically, there’s always an advantage to chasing for dew, especially. Tonight. there was no dew, so all the credit to India, “Morgan said.
“Man of the match” Kishan credited his Mumbai Indians teammates Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya with making him feel comfortable on his debut in India.

“It’s not easy when you come here and play your first match. The Mumbai Indians have taught me a lot. I have been there with so many veteran players and they have given me great advice. I love to play backwards, but they didn’t go my way.
“I was upset (coming out) because I wanted to finish the game. I think when Tom Curran threw his first ball and I hit him a six, that was the moment I felt like I could keep doing this.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever get this feeling again, but I felt like ‘I’m finally here.’ This post is for my coach’s dad, who passed away a few days ago,” Kishan said.