While no other batsman scored more than 26 on a tricky surface in a cauldron-like atmosphere last night, ice-cool Kohli was the highest scorer as he helped India cross the line in a crucial World Twenty20 match. “It’s important to keep a calm head,” said Kohli.
“It was a challenging wicket but you need new challenges, every innings you play.
“It was just about keeping calm and trying to work it out, how to go about it… you need to watch the ball, to play it late,” he added after being named man-of-the-match.
“Last game (against New Zealand), I was very disappointed to have got out (for 23), that really hurt. Even the 49 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup was really satisfying, that’s what you need, a tough pitch a good bowling attack and you pulling your team out of trouble.”
Soon after Kohli reached his 50, he bowed in the direction of Tendulkar, who was in the stands applauding his efforts.
“I started playing cricket watching him. So do it infront of 67,000 people with him celebrating, it was a great feeling,” Kohli said.
Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni hailed his partner for having “the hunger to perform” on such a big stage.
“His biggest plus – he takes everything as a challenge,” Dhoni added of the man who has already succeeded him as India’s Test captain.
Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik was also full of praise for Kohli. “Credit to Virat. He was the only difference between the two teams,” he said.
