World Cup 2019: 'This is Rohit's best ever ODI innings', Kohli showers praises on his deputy

Rohit hit 13 boundaries and two sixes in his 144-ball innings to help India overhaul the victory target of 228 in 47.3 overs for a six-wicket win

Virat Kohli has watched Rohit Sharma score quite a few magnificent tons but the Indian captain rated his deputy's unbeaten 122 against South Africa in their World Cup opener as his best innings in one day cricket. Rohit, who has an unprecedented three double hundreds in 50-over format, hit his 23rd ton on a bouncy Ageas Bowl track under overcast conditions. “I think in my opinion this is by far his best ODI innings because of the kind of pressure the first game brings from a World Cup point of view. And then I know, as a batsman, when you go in and a few balls bounce like that, it's not easy to gather yourself again and play in a calm manner,” Kohli said at the post-match press conference.

"By far, Rohit's best innings in ODIs" – #ViratKohli was delighted with Rohit Sharma's match-winning knock against South Africa. ⬇️ #CWC19 | #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/1Xl1F1lJPY

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 6, 2019

According to Kohli, the best part about Rohit's innings was his composure as he was ready to curb his natural attacking instinct and put his head down and be patient. “In my opinion, of all the brilliant innings I have seen him play, I think this, for me, was the top of the pile because of the way he compiled his innings and at no stage did we feel like, or he felt like he is going to throw it away,” the skipper said. “Rohit played the perfect innings for that kind of a situation on that kind of a wicket against a bowling attack that was threatening to pick up wickets at any stage. So, yeah, in my opinion, by far his best knock," the skipper had no doubt,” he added. Rohit hit 13 boundaries and two sixes in his 144-ball innings to help India overhaul the victory target of 228 in 47.3 overs for a six-wicket win.