Cricket

Virat Kohli opens up on his match-winning century against Pakistan, says playing cover-drive has been his weakness as well

When Virat Kohli successfully plays a cover drive at the beginning of his innings, you know the opposition could be in trouble. Against Pakistan in the ongoing Champions Trophy on Sunday, Kohli played a couple of cover drives against Haris Rauf and one got the feeling that the right-hander is all set to get a big one.

The veteran scored a match-winning knock of 100 runs off 111 balls to lead India to a six-wicket win in the run-chase of 242 runs. 

Meanwhile, it has been noted on many occasions that Kohli has a weakness of poking at the outside off-stump delivery, which has led to his downfall. In nine innings on the Australian tour, Kohli was caught behind on eight occasions.

“It’s a catch-22, I mean, it’s kind of been my weakness as well over the years, but I’ve scored a lot of runs on that shot (cover drive). I think today was just about backing my shots and I think the first couple of boundaries I got were cover drives on the rise, so I really had to just let it go a little bit and take a bit of risk and follow through with my shots,” Virat Kohli said in a video posted by the Indian Cricket Team on Instagram.

Kohli added he gains confidence if his drives at the beginning of his innings come off.

“One thing that I’ve always thought of batting at three is to minimize risk and make sure that I put my team in a winning position and if you have a chance to finish off the game in a chase, obviously that’s much better and I always preferred that kind of a situation, but yeah, my role over the years has remained the same, whatever the demand of the game, I put my head down and try to do that,” he reflected.

The talisman added that the atmosphere in Dubai was lively while playing against the arch-rivals.

“The occasion is always a bit more lively when you play against Pakistan, especially in this region because you have equal number of fans from both countries,” he said.

India will next take on New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on 2nd March.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

England’s ODI Game Needs a Rethink: Captaincy, Strategy, and Approach Post Champions Trophy Setback

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is done and dusted. India have lifted the cup for… Read More

March 18, 2025

Ruben Amorim lauds Bruno Fernandes after win against Leicester City

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim showered praise on club’s captain Bruno Fernandes after a… Read More

March 17, 2025

Rahul Bheke hopeful of crowd backing as India aim to start Asian Cup Qualifiers on a high

Indian defender Rahul Bheke is hopeful that they will get a good crowd for the… Read More

March 17, 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Schedule, Probable Playing XI, Squad for IPL 2025 – All you need to know

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their IPL 2025 campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders… Read More

March 17, 2025

Arne Slot says it was a disappointing performance after Carabao Cup loss against Newcastle United

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot admitted it was a disappointing performance after the Carabao Cup… Read More

March 17, 2025

Steph Curry opens up about historic 4,000 three-pointers milestone

Golden State Warriors veteran Steph Curry continued to rewrite the record books as he became… Read More

March 17, 2025