(Image source from: firstpost.com)
After defeat against Australia in 3rd One Day International Captain Virat Kohli said that team’s priority in remaining two games will be on restricting the top order batting collapse, which happened in last few matches.
Captain Virat Kohli’s 41st century in vain as Australia won Ranchi One day International by 32 runs.
India chasing huge total of 314, top order once again collapsed as it lost three wickets with just 27 runs on board.
In the post match presentation, kohli said "We have lost just two wickets or so [in the past] and we haven't lost many in bunches before, but it's happened already a couple of times in this series. And that's something that we are looking forward to plugging in the next couple of games. The guys who have got out, I'm sure they want to make the most of those opportunities. We don't want to see any more collapses. We want to see mini-partnerships to get us going and then get a strong total in the middle or chase totals like we had to today."
On his ton he said, “In terms of hitting the ball, it was one of my finest hundreds. I just felt really clear in my head from ball one. Even after three wickets I thought I should play my game and not think of what happens if I play my shots.”
"I have to play the game that's gotten me till this level, and that's the same thing I want to continue in the middle. I was really disappointed I got out - I really thought we had a chance there with the difference of 20 between balls and runs. That's what happens - Australia played better and Adam bowled really well and they deserved to win,” he added.
Indian’s batting coach Sanjay Bangar, in post match press conference reveled that MS Dhoni will be rested in remaining two ODIs in the five-match series against Australia.
He said “We will have some changes in the last two games. Mahi (Dhoni) will not be playing in the last two games. He will be taking rest.”
Sanjay Bangar backed out of form opener Shikar Dhawan. He believes Dhawan is vital in India’s top order.
"In the New Zealand ODIs, he had two really good innings, wherein whetever target we had got, he managed to stay not out with 75 in one game and half-century in another," Bangar said. "Even here, he's been getting starts. In the last game, he was batting really well, until he erred in his shot selection.
"He's an important players for us, and we know that if he gets going, he can give us that solidity. It's also vital to have the right-left combination going, so he's a hugely valuable player for us, and we are expecting him to come good very soon."
By Sai Kumar
