Virat Kohli bows down in appreciation to MS Dhoni

Skipper Virat Kohli applauded the efforts of Mahendra Singh Dhoni with the bat in the third One Day International of the 5 match series against the West Indies. India won the match comprehensively to pick up a 2-0 lead in the series.

Despite scoring a low total compared to the strength of the Indian batting line-up, India bundled out the West Indies 93 run short as the bowler stood up to the task. Ajinkya Rahane was the lone warrior up the order with his 72-run knock but did not get any support from the other end as Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli were dismissed cheaply. Yuvraj Singh got a start as usual but failed to convert it into a big score.

MS Dhoni’s inning

MS Dhoni stepped onto the field and steadied the ship as he combined with Ajinkya Rahane to ride India to a total of 251 runs. Dhoni 78 run knock of 79 deliveries was the centre of attraction in the batting line up as the responsible cricketer stood up when it mattered the most, once again. Kedar Jadhav also played an interesting and crucial cameo of 40 runs remaining unbeaten until the end alongside Dhoni.

Virat Kohli flattered the senior cricketer with his words as the captain seemed highly satisfied. “When we needed the runs, MS again finished the innings along with Kedar,” said Kohli.

“Ajinkya batted well and Yuvi’s 40-odd (39) were really important runs. MS at the end along with Kedar finished it really well. We thought 250 was a very competitive total,” added the skipper.

Time to test bench strength

Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik and Mohammed Shami are yet to get a game in the series, speaking about this, Kohli said, “We have quite a few players who have not got a game. It is important to have a look at them and figure out where they stand in pressure situations.”

The Indian bowling

The Indian bowlers looked in red-hot form as they rattled the West Indies batting line-up with ease. Umesh Yadav and Hardik Pandya were the picks of the fast bowlers as they began the onslaught while Ravichandran Ashwin picked up three wickets to regain some much-needed form. Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav picked up his share of 3 wickets again as he continues to surprise and impress the Indian selectors.