Kohli reveals cramp struggle

Cricket365
February 8, 2018

India skipper Virat Kohli revealed after his side’s 124 run win over South Africa at Newlands that he had to fight through cramp during his innings.

Kohli hit 160 not out in India’s total of 303 but revealed that he was suffering from cramp during the final stretch of the knock.

Speaking after the match in Cape Town Kohli said: “I was cramping towards the end but knew I had to stay till the end to get us to 300.

“These are the times you’re tested mentally as well as physically.”

The skipper spent most of India’s innings out in the middle after Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal and noticed a change in the pitch as the match wore on.

The India skipper noted: “The wicket started off with good pace and bounce. The new ball was hitting the bat nicely with pace.

“But it was a drastic change after the 30th over and we immediately chopped down our target from 330 to 280-290.

“You’re always looking for someone to bat until the end and it’s amazing if you do that as the captain. I shared another good partnership with Shikhar and had a good stand with Bhuvi at the end as well.”

Kohli wants his team to maintain their intensity having ensured that they cannot lose the series by taking a 3-0 lead.

He added: “The tour didn’t start of too well but I knew I had to come in and get stuck in for us to compete in every game – it feels very good that it’s coming off in winning causes.

“The intensity will be more in the fourth game because we can’t lose this series anymore. I’m sure they’ll come all guns blazing so we want to close that door.”

The fourth ODI between South Africa and India takes place at the Wanderers on Saturday.