Feel good about our approach but we will need to string better partnerships: Kohli
TEAM INDIA lost the opening Test of the three-match series against South Africa as its batting line-up collapsed for 135 in pursuit of 208. Skipper Virat Kohli conceded that few dropped chances and poor partnerships cost his side the match.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, the Delhi-lad credited his bowlers for bowling their heart out. Kohli admitted that his men failed to string in partnerships and also reckoned that they will rectify their mistakes in the forthcoming Tests.
“If we had taken our chances in the first innings, even after them counter-attacking, we could have kept them to 220 which would have been ideal. We’re not a team which thinks of what-ifs though. Losing wickets in bunches is something we have to plug in. We were pretty much in the Test match on all days. We were thinking 250-275 (the target) if they play well. To restrict them to 210 was an outstanding effort. We needed someone to get a 75-80. Credit to them, they were a bowler short and still bowled their heart out. We need to rectify our mistakes also. Mini collapses in both innings is something we have to think about, how to string in partnerships. This game is all about stringing in partnerships. They did that better than us.”
The 29-year-old showered praise on Hardik Pandya and added that the all-rounder showed brilliant character. Kohli also spoke about how bowlers adapted quickly after giving a few extra runs in the first innings.
“Bowlers learned pretty quickly from the first innings, whatever mistakes needed to be corrected. We kept pulling things back against a side which is very strong at home. Still feeling good about how we went about this Test match. The mindset matters when you’re traveling away from home on pitches which challenge you. Need to be positive in defence and when you’re leaving also. You need to grab scoring opportunities. He is (Pandya) a strong character. He backs himself and we believe in him. He’s performing for us now, even away from home. That knock was brilliant, showed a lot of character.”
The visitors will get into their second Test at Centurion, starting January 13.
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