IND vs SL 1st ODI: Yet another batting masterclass from legend Virat Kohli (113 runs off 87 balls) helped India set the visitors an improbable 374-run target in IND vs SL 1st ODI at Guwahati, Tuesday. Apart from Kohli, captain Rohit Sharma (83 off 67 balls) and Shubman Gill (60-ball 70) made important contributions.
Reacting to his heroic innings, Virat said 'luck plays a big part', possibly because he got not just one but two reprieves on way to his 73rd international hundred. Virat was dropped twice during the match. First, wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis dropped Kohli's catch behind the wickets in the 37th over and later Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka dropped him in the 43rd over when Kohli was batting on 81.
Here's what Virat Kohli said after scoring his career's 73rd International ton
"I have had a bit of a break, couple of practice sessions. I have come fresh after the Bangladesh tour where things didn't quite go to plan for me in the second half. I was quite looking forward to the home season. I had to bat through the innings as I always do but still manage a high strike-rate," Kohli said at the innings break.
"I would take those (dropped chances) any day. Luck plays a big part, you need to thank god on such evenings. These evenings are important, pretty aware of that. Thankful that I made the most of that luck presented to me. I helped the team get 20 runs extra, rather than 350. It's going to be the same thing. Someone will have to score a 150, or 140 to chase this down. But it also gives our bowlers a chance to bowl with dew coming into play. I am quite aware of what I eat, diet is the most important thing at this age. That keeps me in prime shape. That helps me give my 100 percent for the team."