India jersey motivates me: Virat Kohli

Posted In : Sports
(added 23 Jul 2012)

India jersey motivates me: Virat Kohli Man of the match of India's 21-run win over Sri Lanka in the first ODI, Virat Kohli, has said that the national jersey inspires him to do well each time he steps onto the field. "I get really motivated when I put on the India jersey. It is a responsibility, so I want to perform in the best way I can," said Kohli, who scored a 133-ball 106 as India posted 314-6 before restricting Sri Lanka to 293-9 in the day-night match for a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

"I was fortunate to have done well on a consistent basis. It was a matter of going out there and applying yourself and look for the best possible result," said Kohli who cracked his 12th one-day hundred, and fourth in the last five matches. Kohli said the breeze at Hambantota played a crucial role in the day part of the innings. "The ball travels much quicker off the bat in the night. We made a few mistakes in the field because we had not played here before," the right-hander said.

Dhoni praise for duo Both Kohli and opener Virender Sehwag (96) also earned praise from captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. "Sehwag and Kohli batted very well. In the second innings, there was variable bounce and it was a little difficult to bat on," said Dhoni. Dhoni, Team India fined for slow over rate

Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his India team were fined for their slow over-rate during the first ODI against Sri Lanka here on Saturday. India won the match by 21 runs to draw first blood in the five-match series. India were ruled to be an over short of their target when time allowances were taken into consideration. ICC match referee Chris Broad imposed a 20 percent fine on Dhoni while each Indian player was docked 10 percent of their match fees. "The offence is contrary to article 2.5.1 of the code which relates to minor over-rate offences," an ICC statement said.

(added 23 Jul 2012) / 1790 views

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