IND vs SL: Virat Kohli's epic reply on Murali Kartik reminding star batter his player of series awards

On Sunday, 15 January, India played Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI of the series at the Greenfield International stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. In the game, Virat Kohli won another award and that doesn't come as a surprise at all considering the list of achievements and awards to his name already. 

Kohli was at his magnificent best once again and his form since August 2022 has been absolutely amazing. He has been timing the ball well and has looked elegant on the pitch during final ODI. He notched up his second hundred of the ODI series and this time he made sure he didn’t lose his wicket after achieving the milestone. 

Due to this incredible performance in the series, Kohli was adjudged the Player of the Series and was handed the trophy for it. Kohli scored 283 runs in three matches with an average of 142 at a strike rate of 137. Mohammad Siraj was also in contention for the award after a brilliant series where he picked up 9 wickets in three games at an average of 10. 

While receiving the award, Kohli was asked by former cricketer Murali Karthik about the number of player of the series awards he had won. Kohli said-

 “I have no idea (about the Player of the Series awards he has won). For me, it's just a byproduct of the intent I have, mindset that I play with. Mindset is always to help the team win, bat for as long as possible and if you do that, you end up making a difference. I have always played for the right reasons, to help the team as much as possible. It is just intent, playing for the right reasons."

I don't have that desperation to get to a milestone: Virat Kohli

Yesterday’s amazing century was Kohli’s 46th in ODI cricket and he is just a few centuries shy of breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in ODI cricket. With over 18 ODIs leading to the World Cup later this year, Kohli would be hoping to notch up the centuries' count and get the record to his name rather sooner than later.

“Ever since I came back from the long break, I have been feeling good. I don't have that desperation to get to a milestone. I am just enjoying my batting, being in a space where I can relax. Today as well, I was just happy to be out there batting. I am in a nice space right now and want this to continue,” Kohli added during the post match presentation.

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