Last Update: January 10, 2023, 5:46 pm IST
Guwahati [Gauhati]India
Virat Kohli scored a brilliant century in the first ODI against Sri Lanka (AP Image)
Virat Kohli was also pleased with his performance for managing a good strike rate throughout the innings.
batting maverick Virat Kohli scored a brilliant century to score India In a comfortable position against Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. Kohli smashed 113 off 87 balls as India posted a mammoth 373/7 on a batting-friendly surface. After completing his half-century, the 34-year-old Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka dropped his catches and got some life. He took full advantage of the opportunities and ended his century drought at home. Before Tuesday, his last ODI century at home was back in March 2019.
After scoring his 45th ODI century, Kohli said that the break from the T20I series helped him as he was fresh after the Bangladesh tour.
india vs sri lanka 1st odi live score and updates
“I’ve got a bit of a break, and a few practice sessions coming into this game, so I was fresh after that Bangladesh tour. I was excited for the domestic season to start,” Kohli told the broadcasters.
The 34-year-old said openers Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma set the stage for him and he was also happy with his performance for managing a good strike rate throughout the innings.
“The openers allowed me to get into the game and I had to bat through the innings as I always do but still manage a high strike rate. I was happy that I was able to keep the momentum going and we 370,” he said.
Talking about dropping his two catches, the former India captain admitted that luck plays an important role in the game.
“I’ll take those (dropped opportunities) any day. Luck plays a big role, you should thank God on such evenings. These evenings are important, very aware of it. I am thankful that I took full advantage of the luck that I got. I helped the team to make 20 runs extra instead of 350. That’s what it’s going to be,” he said.
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He said the wet ball would be a good opportunity for the bowlers to execute their plans while defending big totals.
To chase it down one has to score 150 or 140. But it also gives our bowlers a chance to bowl with the dew on.”
Talking about his fitness, Kohli said that diet has helped him to stay fit.
“I am very conscious of what I eat, diet is the most important thing at this age. It keeps me in prime shape. This helps me to give my 100 per cent for the team.”
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