Pandya’s meteoric rise all but seals No 4 slot in ODIs
BANGALORE:Virat Kohli has admitted that Australia’s superb death bowling made the difference as India’s quest to secure 10 consecutive ODI wins was thwarted after they suffered a 21-run loss on Thursday. The captain also threw his weight behind Hardik Pandya, who came to bat at No 4.
At 282/4 in the 45th over and with Kedar Jadhav (67) and Manish Pandey (33) going strong, India seemed to be on course to overhaul Australia’s 334/5. However, some key strikes by Kane Richardson and Pat Cummins at crucial times dented India’s progress and Australia snapped their losing streak overseas.
“Australia’s bowling in the end was very good. They got breakthroughs at the right times and that stopped our momentum, especially when Kedar and Hardik were batting well. If they had put on 40-50 more, it would have been ideal for us,” said Kohli.
Australia gave away 31 runs in the final five overs as Steve Smith’s team had something to cheer after losing 11 out of their last 13 ODI games overseas.
Pandya was once again promoted to No 4 and he continued his aggressive ways by slamming Adam Zampa for two big sixes. He shared a 78-run stand with Jadhav. Kohli said if Pandya performs consistently in that position, he could be made a regular in that slot.
“The plan to promote Hardik was to go after the spinner and get the quicks to come early into the game. He did that in Indore and he did it in this game. Hardik has got a solid defence and good technique. He is not just a slogger. If he gains more confidence and if he can understand how to take the game till the end, he might be a regular at that spot,” Kohli said.
Kohli, while admitting Australia were better on the day, criticised his batting line-up and backed his bowlers saying, “It wasn’t a great batting performance from us”.
“We got a good opening partnership but we needed one big partnership after that. From that point of view, it wasn’t a great batting performance. That can happen. People have off days.”