Virat Kohli’s lack of runs no deterrent to India’s success against Australia | Cricket - Hindustan Times
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Virat Kohli’s lack of runs no deterrent to India’s success against Australia

Dharamsala | By
Mar 24, 2017 05:10 PM IST

Virat Kohli has struggled for runs in this series and is facing a race against time to be fit for the Dharamsala Test but he has said that India have still won despite his form dip.

Virat Kohli has struggled for runs in the series against Australia. Ahead of the Dharamsala Test, he is racing against time to be fit after injuring his shoulder in Ranchi. However, the Indian skipper has said his lack of form has not been a deterrent to India’s fortunes in the series.

Virat Kohli has had a lean series against Australia so far, scoring just 46 runs so far in the three Tests.(PTI)
Virat Kohli has had a lean series against Australia so far, scoring just 46 runs so far in the three Tests.(PTI)

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Speaking at the press conference, Kohli said, “I have not done anything in the series so far. Yet, the Indian team has won.”

In this series, Kohli has managed scores of 0,13,12,15 and 6. This has represented a rare lean patch for the dashing batsman. Before this series, Kohli smashed a double century in four consecutive series and averaged over 55 in each series. Despite his poor form, India bounced back to win the Bangalore Test by 75 runs after being routed in Pune by 333 runs.

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When asked about his injury, Kohli added that he will take the field only if he is 100% fit and said that the injury carried an element of being aggravated in the field. Thus he wanted to take some more time to take the decision.

Not a one-man show

Kohli credited the way how each member of the team stood up when encountered with tough situations in the series. “Cheteshwar Pujara has played very well, Wriddhiman Saha contributed with the bat in Ranchi. KL Rahul, Murali Vijay have performed while Ravindra Jadeja has been a revelation again.” He said.

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KL Rahul has scored four fifties in five innings while Pujara played a match-winning knock of 92 in Bangalore and almost set up India’s win in Ranchi by scoring his third double ton. Along with Pujara, Saha smashed his third ton in the Ranchi Test and his 199-run stand with Pujara helped India declare at 603/9. Ravindra Jadeja is the leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets.

Unfazed by criticism

Kohli has been subjected to plenty of criticism this series, most notably from the Australian media. Kohli however said he is not bothered.

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“The criticism doesn’t matter. I have always said what I wanted and I don’t have regrets. For me what my teammates think of me is important. However, I am surprised by the way this has affected people,” said the Indian skipper.

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With the series tied 1-1, India would be hoping that Kohli is declared fit ahead of the Test which begins on Saturday.

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    From Dainik Bhaskar to Cricbuzz, from Times of India to NDTV, he has significant work experience on the digital platform. Writing on cricket, though, continues unabated.

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