Difficult to Come to Terms With the Loss: Kohli After WC Exit

India lost to New Zealand by 18 runs in a two-day semi-final of the 2019 ICC World Cup in Manchester.

(Photo: AP)

A visibly dejected Indian skipper Virat Kohli blamed 45 minutes of bad cricket in the Indian innings for the ouster of his side from the ICC World Cup on Wednesday, 10 July.

“Always feel disappointed when you’ve played such good cricket, and then 45 minutes of bad cricket puts you out of the tournament. It’s difficult to accept, it’s difficult to come to terms with, but New Zealand deserve it because they put enough pressure on us.”

Virat Kohli

India lost to New Zealand by 18 runs in a two-day semi-final of the 2019 ICC World Cup in Manchester.

The first half, we were very, very good. We got what we needed at that point. We thought we had restricted New Zealand to a chaseable score but the way they come out with the ball was what made the difference.

Virat Kohli

Speaking about the delay in MS Dhoni’s arrival at the crease, Virat shed light on the plan behind the move.

“After the first few matches, he was given the responsibility to control one end when things don’t go according to plan and today he exactly did that or if there is a situation where there is six to seven overs left he can go and strike.”

Virat Kohli

Dhoni eventually came out to bat at number six after Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya. The former captain put up a 116-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja before he was dismissed for 50 off 72 balls.

In another development, when Kohli was asked regarding Dhoni’s retirement, the captain said that Dhoni hasn’t discussed anything with the team in this regard.

Kohli praised the New Zealand bowlers for sticking to their plans and getting their side the desired result.

“Credit to the New Zealand bowlers, they were really good with the new ball and hit the right areas. I think it was the skill level on display (from NZ bowlers) was there for all to see,” added Kohli.”

Virat Kohli

The skipper had nothing but word of praise for Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni, whose 116-run stand for the seventh wicket kept India in contention till the last few overs.

“Jadeja had a really good couple of games and it’s his performance today that’s a huge positive for his skill-set. MS had a good partnership with him, and again a game of small margins, run out by a small margin.”

Virat Kohli

“At times, I think our shot-selection could have been better. Otherwise, we played a really good brand of cricket. Really proud of the way we competed throughout the tournament,” added Kohli.

Kohli felt that the Kiwis deserved to be in the final for showing more composure.

“As I said, come the knockouts, it’s anyone’s game and New Zealand showed more composure. They were braver than us and deserve to win. Thanks to all the fans, thanks for coming out in huge numbers.”

Virat Kohli

New Zealand will be in their second successive World Cup final and will face the winner of the second semi-final, which will be played between Australia and England on Thursday, 11 July in Birmingham.