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‘Needed Someone Like Him...' – Rohit Sharma Reflects On Virat Kohli's 49th ODI Century

image-loln245pRohit Sharma celebrating a wicket with Virat Kohli in Kolkata (AP Photos)

India destroyed South Africa by 243 runs on Sunday in Match 37 of the ongoing World Cup 2023 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, in what was regarded as the most thrilling match of the tournament.

On his 35th birthday, Virat Kohli slammed his 49th ODI hundred and was later rewarded as the Man of the Match for his scintillating knock. On a surface where batters struggled to find their rhythm, Kohli stood tall, as did Iyer, as India piled 326/5 before knocking the opposition over 83 in just 27.1 overs.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Men in Blue skipper Rohit Sharma highlighted Kohli's brilliant knock and credited him for making a significant impact in their thumping victory. Rohit also credited Iyer, who scored 77 off 87 balls with seven fours and two sixes.

"If you look at how we have played in the last three games, we have adapted better. We were put under pressure against England. But we got a decent score, and then the seamers did the job. We lost a wicket in the first over. Then they got runs, and then the seamers did well. We needed Kohli to go out there and play the situation. We then knew we had to keep it in the right areas and let the pitch do the rest. Even if the faith hadn't been repaid, I would have still stuck to them. We need to keep the trust. It can't be done every day," Rohit Sharma told the host broadcasters after the game.


Furthermore, Rohit lauded Mohammed Shami for reaping rewards. The veteran also credited Ravindra Jadeja, who returned excellent figures of 9-1-33-5.

"For Shami to come back the way he has shows the mindset. The last two games have shown what Iyer is capable of. Gill and I have been batting together for the majority of time now. We let our instincts take over. We don't preplan anything. We just assess and play accordingly. Jadeja has been very good for us. Playing in every format over the years. Today was a classical case as to what Jadeja is for us. Came out at the death and scored vital runs. Then they picked up wickets. He knows his role and knows what we expect from him. Not getting too ahead of ourselves has been the talk in the dressing room. A couple of big games are coming up. We don't want to change anything," Rohit concluded.

Under Rohit, India will next play the Netherlands on November 12 at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.