‘Bowlers at forefront of fielding success’

LONDON: India skipper Virat Kohli had high praise for his bowlers following the team’s comfortable eight-wicket win over South Africa in their ICC Champions Trophy Group B match at The Oval on Sunday, saying pressure from them on the opposition batsmen resulted in an improved fielding display from the side. “The pressure was built by the bowlers, and that I think resulted in, you know, those breakthroughs that we got in the field. It’s important to grab those opportunities, as well,” Kohli said, referring to the three run out dismissals during the Proteas’ innings.

“You know, thinking about how we wanted to improve our fielding, I think this was something that we required, this kind of a fielding performance.

“And before going out, we had a chat in the huddle that I want to see everyone’s intensity go up, and that a conscious effort we have to make individually in such a big game, you need to start well.

“And then bowlers were on the money and that actually helps the fielders get into better positions and attack the batsmen when they know the bowler is hitting the right spot regularly,” he added.

Kohli said the tight opening spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar at the start of the match helped in building pressure on the opponents, which eventually got India the breakthroughs.

While India had to wait till the 18th over for the opening wicket, South African subsequently failed to prevent a batting collapse, and were bowled out for 191 in 44.3 overs.

The defending champions chased down the total with eight wickets and 12 overs to spare.

“I’m sure he (Bumrah) was looking forward to it. He’s an attacking bowler, and all I said was, you know, express yourself, go for wickets. If you want to york people with the new ball, do it. If you want to bounce people, do it. The new ball does quite a bit, and you can get us a couple of breakthroughs.

“His intention was to pick up wickets and that’s where we were able to create pressure from both ends. I mean, Bhuvi as you know, is always very consistent, but I think the way Bumrah bowled, as well, really tightened things from both ends. And then 30-odd runs in ten overs was an outstanding start for us, and then we could build on from there.”

He (Bumrah) is an attacking bowler, and all I said was go for wickets. If you want to york people, do it. On Jasprit Bumrah Bowlers were on the money and that helps fielders attack when they know the bowler is hitting the right spot. On the role of bowlers