Tri-series: Team showed a lot of character, says Virat Kohli after India qualify for final
Virat Kohli credits the bowlers and fielders for the 81-run win over Sri Lanka that took India to the final of the tri-series.
Stand-in captain Virat Kohli termed Indian team's comeback after back-to-back defeats as a "commendable" one as it showed the character of the team which enabled them to reach the final of the West Indies tri-series in a convincing fashion. India beat Sri Lanka by 81 runs (D/L method) on Tuesday at Queen's Park Oval here to enter the tri-series final.
"To bounce back like this and finish top of the table is a commendable effort. I am very proud of the team," a beaming Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony. (Match Highlights)
Kohli is happy that the team showed a lot of character in making such a strong comeback in the tournament. (Match in pics)
"We have shown a lot of character. When three good teams are playing in the tournament, anything can happen. We were never bothered about the rain delays. Our performance showed what happens when one executes their plans properly."
The young captain said that when he was involved in a 49-run partnership with Rohit Sharma, he didn't want to take any undue risks.
"When I and Rohit were playing, we just wanted to play ourselves in. It paid in the end, because we had wickets in hand, and it worked in the D/L calculations in our favour. Then the bowlers responded beautifully. Full credit to them."
Man of the match Bhuvneshwar Kumar termed the pitch at the Port of Spain as the "most helpful so far" that he has bowled on.
"It's important to hunt in pairs and pitch the ball in right areas. It worked well for me and I am proud that I have performed well for my country," the Uttar Pradesh swing bowler said.
Rohit on his part said that he is happy to take up the challenge of being a dependable batsman at the top of the order but it's a long way to go.
"I took it up as a challenge. I know that I have a long way to go. I am really not bothered about whether I am getting a big score as long as I am contributing and working on my mistakes," Rohit said.
Rival captain Angelo Mathews conceded that it was a tough wicket to bat on.
"It was a tough wicket to bat on," he said. "We bowled well, but when we batted the pitch had been under covers and had sweated more. We had nothing to lose and went for the win." Sri Lanka, who were bowled out for 96, needed a revised (D/L) target of 178 from 26 overs after rain had curtailed India's innings to 119 for 3 (29 overs).
Mathews said that it was very challenging to play three days in a row.
"It's mentally and physically draining to play three days in a row. We have played some good cricket to get to the final, hopefully we can beat India on Thursday."