Still need to work on slip-catching & fielding, says Kohli

THE THIRD and final Test between India and Sri Lanka ended in a draw following a gritty effort by the visitors. 

With that result, India sealed the series 1-0 and continued their domination at home. However, skipper Virat Kohli expressed his disappointment with the Delhi Test’s result and mentioned about not grabbing the chances coming their way. During the post-match presentation ceremony, the prolific batsman identified slip catching and fielding as two areas to work on.

“Feels like a disappointment. They played really well. The pitch got really tired by the end. In hindsight, if we had grabbed our chances, we could have pushed harder. Slip catching and fielding, still need to work on it. Firstly, from his (Rahane) initial days, he’s always fielded at gully. Gully is a very difficult position to field at. So we trust him there, with his reflexes.”

The 29-year-old was in a sublime form throughout the series. He struck two double centuries and a fifty from five innings. Speaking about his form, the Delhi-lad said,

“It was a good series for me personally. I was hitting the ball pretty well. It was a revelation for me as well that I can play the same way in Tests as I do in ODIs, pushing the game forward. When I wasn’t captain, it was very difficult for me to think of the situation.”

Kohli, who has been rested for the T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka, believes that it is the perfect time to cool-off before getting into the South Africa series, starting January, next year.

“Last time I took a break, it was very difficult to handle. But my body is wanting it right now. It has taken a toll in the last couple of years, and right now is the perfect time to take a break before South Africa.”

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