XtraTime Web Desk: Virat Kohli plays a splendid knock as he helps India to win the 2nd T20I against South Africa in Mohali on Wednesday. Kohli scored 72* as India won by 7 wickets with 1 over remaining. This is the first time India have beaten South Africa in a T20I in India.
Kohli also became the highest run-scorer in T20Is in the course of his match-winning innings. He now has 2441 runs in the format. Rohit Sharma (2434 runs) is now the second-highest run-scorer in T20Is.
After receiving the Man of the Match award Kohli told Sanjay Manjrekar, “It reminded me of the best game of my T20 career. I got a bit of motivation from that. When you play like that and win a game for your team, it is always a good feeling. That night (2016 game vs AUS) was a revelation of how fit you can be on a cricket field.”
He added, “The pitch was very good and an outstanding effort from the bowlers to pull things back. As long as they (youngsters) show character in difficult situations, they are going to present a strong case for themselves in the future.”
Kohli seemed satisfied, as he told, “Lot of positive signs for us and they’ll get many more games to prove their mettle. They are going in the right direction. The badge in front of my shirt – India – it is a pride to play for my country. Whatever it takes, whichever format, to get us across the line, I’ll do that.”
The skipper added, “Adapting in different formats is nothing but a mindset of making your team win. If you want to win a game for your team, you will find a way. That’s the most important thing. I never think for myself, it’s always about what the team needs. Test cricket, one-day cricket … The will should be to win the game for your country.”