'Virat Kohli took the blame for everything' - Yohan Blake hails skipper's leadership after massive defeat in 1st Test

Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake has heaped praises on Virat Kohli after the India skipper’s straightforward reason behind his team’s heavy loss at the hands of England in the first Test. High-flying Team India were given a rude reality check in the series-opener as England thrashed they by 227 runs to take the lead in the four-match series.

England remained on top of the proceedings throughout the game as India lost a Test at home for the first time since 2017. Batting first, England piled up a mammoth total of 578 thanks to their skipper Joe Root’s stunning knock of 218. In reply, India could only manage 337. In the second innings, India bowled out England for just 178 but the damage was already done as they were set a target of 420.

The England bowlers then came up with an impressive show on the final day to bowl out India for just 192. Virat Kohli played a fighting knock of 72 but it was not enough for India to avoid a defeat. Following the surprising loss, Kohli did not beat around the bush as he pointed out the reasons behind his team’s loss.

Yohan Blake all praise for Virat Kohli

Yohan Blake was mighty impressed with Virat Kohli’s conduct after the loss. In a video message uploaded on his social media handles, Blake lauded the India star for not finding any excuses for the defeat. He also praised Kohli for taking the blame on him as he hailed the 32-year old’s leadership qualities.

“What I really love about Team India is that Virat Kohli doesn’t find any excuses. That’s what I really love about his captaincy, he took the blame for everything. He said the bowlers didn’t find the right areas and that the batsmen were not as consistent. He said ‘we got to go back to the drawing board and come back’. And that’s what I love about Virat Kohli and his captaincy,” said Blake.

Blake also praised young Indian players Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. Gill gave India a good start in the second innings by scoring a fifty but failed to capitalize on it. Pant, on the other hand, played an entertaining knock of 91 in the first innings that helped India post a respectable total.

“And also, what stood out for me was Shubman Gill, he’s a wonderful batsman. Of course, Rishabh Pant is excellent. Not every time he’s going to put on a show but he’s excellent for the game of Test cricket. That’s why I love Test cricket, it mentally tests you. (Cheteshwar) Pujara in Australia showed that wonderful fight and that’s what I love to see,” said Blake.