Antigua: His technical purity, unflappable temperament, a fondness for the big stage and that ability to patiently construct an innings under all condition is what make him a marvel to watch. Virat Kohli once again showed that in ample as he constructed the Indian innings, scoring an unbeaten 143 off 197 deliveries and steered Indian to a strong position (302 for 4) in the first innings of the first Test match against west Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua on Thursday.
India lost Murali Vijay (7) quickly, but Shikhar Dhawan in company of Cheteshwar Pujara took the total to 74 before Pujara got out to a loose shot after doing all the hard work to Bishoo for 16. Thereafter, the Indian skipper joined his Delhi team-mate and the duo took the played with authority, giving no chance to the West Indies to derail India’s innings. Kohli and Dhawan added 105 runs for the third wicket before Dhawan got out on the last ball of Bishoo before the tea break.
Ajinkya Rahane came in to bat with Kohli and the two gelled well to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, Rahane too perished with Bishoo’s innocuous delivery again proving to be the downfall. Thereafter, R Ashwin joined the skipper at No. 6 and provided excellent company to Kohli in an unbeaten 66-run stand.
Talking about his knock Shikhar Dhawan said, “I enjoyed my knock. In the first session they were bowling well. I just had to take the punches and I was happy I had the persistence to keep going. And when the spinners came, I took advantage.”
“It's not every time I'll keep getting boundaries from the start, I had to grind. I still remember in New Zealand and Sri Lanka, I played that kind of innings. I am happy I have that versatility in me. It’s very important in today's cricket. I feel that I have that kind of game where I can excel in all three formats. It's a journey and I am getting matured. I have been in the Indian team for three years now and I know my game and my plans. I felt sad when I got out. It wasn't a very good delivery to get out to. It was a wrong shot selection.”
