Veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli has stated that milestones have never been his focus, but he wants to contribute to the team whenever it’s needed. Notably, Kohli became only the second batter after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to score 15,000 ODI runs.
Speaking at the post-match presentation after his unbeaten 139-run knock off 88 balls with 10 fours and nine sixes in the first ODI against the West Indies in Trivandrum on Sunday, September 27, Kohli asserted that he is very blessed to be in a position to play for so long.
“Well, my focus has never really been on these milestones, so to say. It’s just understanding the situation along the course of just doing the job for the team, whatever. Achievements come along. Obviously, I feel very grateful and very blessed to be in this position for having played for so long,” Kohli said after the game.
“And yeah, just keeping my head down, working hard, and thanking God for everything that I’ve been blessed with and the opportunities that I’ve gotten in my life to be where I am. We have a very blessed life and a blessed journey because so many people want to be here, but we get to be the lucky ones. So, we better put our head down and just work hard every day of our lives,” he added.
In the first ODI, West Indies batted first and they posted a daunting total of 295/7 in 50 overs. Justin Greaves (101), John Campbell (62) and Amir Jangoo (58*) were the top scorers. Veteran spinner Kuldeep Yadav picked up a four-wicket haul.
In the chase, India crossed the winning line in 41.4 overs with eight wickets in hand. Virat Kohli (139*) and Shubman Gill (110) were the top scorers in the chase. The second ODI of the three-game series will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, September 30.
