I Never Played For Centuries In My Life: Virat Kohli

For the Indian captain Virat Kohli, yet another innings passed by without reaching three figures in the 2nd ODI against England in Pune on Friday. It was back in November 2019 that Virat Kohli scored his last international hundred and since then, he has come close but has not been able to breach the mark. But the right-handed batsman asserted that hundreds hardly mean anything to him.

Virat Kohli entered the crease on Friday in the second ODI against England in Pune in the fifth over and shared a crucial partnership with KL Rahul. While the 32-year old did not look as dominant as he did in the first ODI, there were some flamboyant shots as the right-handed batsman was adapting to England’s tight bowling. Kohli perished to Adil Rashid, nicking to Jos Buttler behind the stumps as he tried to run it down to the third man region. His knock contained three fours and a six and added 121 runs with KL Rahul.

But his wicket did not stop the home side from reaching a formidable total as KL Rahul’s hundred and Rishabh Pant’s blazing fifty lifted them to 337. In response, the visitors built another century stand, followed by Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes launching an unforgettable onslaught. Bairstow top-scored with 124, while Stokes made 99 runs. England faced a brief wobble, yet, they romped home with six wickets and 39 balls to spare.

If the team doesn’t win when you get three figures it doesn’t mean anything: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli revealed that he never played for centuries in his life – a reason he believes is responsible for getting him 70 tons in such a short time. The 32-year old highlighted that it is crucial to contribute to the team’s cause instead of playing for personal milestones. Kohli stated that at the end of one’s career, none would look at numbers and when the top two sides clash, it is all about who is better that night.

“I never played for 100s in my life, that’s probably why I ended up getting so many in such little time. It’s all about contributing to the team cause. If the team doesn’t win when you get three figures it doesn’t mean anything. You’re not going to sit back at the end of your career and look at numbers, it’s more about how you played the game,” Kohli told in the post-match presentation.

Also Read: It’s Important To Commit To Our Style Of Play: Jos Buttler