Virat Kohli was a happy captain after India defeated England by 36 runs in the decider T20I to win the five-match T20I series by 3-2. There were a lot of positives for the team as the players came up with a collective effort throughout the series.
Ishan Kishan made an impressive as he scored 56 runs in the second T20I. Suryakumar Yadav was able to get off the blocks in the both the innings he batted. Hardik Pandya returned as a bowler and bowled well with the new ball. Bhuvneshwar Kumar also made a solid comeback after injury and he was able to deliver the goods.
Shardul Thakur finished as the leading run-getter of the series with eight scalps and delivered crucial breakthroughs for the team. Rishabh Pant was able to add the finishing touches whenever he got the opportunity whereas Shreyas Iyer was also able to hit the ground running as he batted at the top of his game.
Kohli believes India will become even more potent after the return of Jasprit Bumrah as the gun fast bowler was rested for his marriage.
Virat Kohli said in the post-match presentation, “Will definitely like to partner Rohit at the top. Other guys feel a lot more confident when one of us is still in and is set. Augurs well for the team. Also how Shreyas batted in the last game and the responsibility he showed in the first game. Ishan was brilliant. I was particularly pleased with Surya. Bhuvi coming back and bowling like that. Still have Jassi to come back. Don’t have much in terms of negatives. Pant showed a lot of maturity through the series as well. Confidence level of Thakur after that series in Australia is sky high. WIth the ball his strength is his belief. Proper cricketer. Giving us runs with the bat as well. Just found out we might have some more (T20Is)”.
Kohli also had a sublime series with the bat as he scored 231 runs in five matches at an average of 115.50 and a strike rate of 147.13. Thus, he was awarded the Player of the series.
India was able to tick the right boxes and they must be really happy as they defended totals in the last two matches after losing the toss. The hosts were behind 2-1 after three matches and made a roaring comeback to seal the series.
India and England will now take on each other in three-match ODI series, starting 23 March at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune behind closed doors.
