Super Overs have taught me to stay calm, says Kohli

Wellington, Jan. 31: India captain Virat Kohli on Friday said he has learnt an important lesson in the back-to-back Super Over finishes against New Zealand: To “stay calm till the end” and bounce back when the opportunity arises. A nervous New Zealand threw it away yet again as a perseverant India prevailed in the Super Over for the second successive time to take a 4-0 lead in the five-match T20 International series. “There’s something new I’ve learnt in the last couple of games: when the opposition is playing well, you stay calm till the end and try to come back,” Kohli said.

The India skipper said having come out victorious in two consecutive Super Overs for the first time proves the character of the team. “We couldn’t have asked for more exciting games, we’ve never played Super Overs before and now we’ve won two. It shows the character of the team,” Kohli said.

Although Sanju Samson didn’t make any significant contribution in the match, Kohli said he initially thought of sending the Kerala batsman in the Super Over along side K. L. Rahul but eventually changed his mind.

“Initially we thought of opening with Samson and K. L. in the Super Over, but then K. L. told me I should bat because of the experience and the options I’ll bring. His (Rahul’s) two strikes were crucial and then you knock the ball into the gap and take your team over the line. Sanju was fearless at the top of the order. He tried to take the momentum away, he should back himself,” he said. —