New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson expressed his delight at watching his team's younger players experience the thunderous crowd noise when Indian cricket legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma walked out to bat. The first One Day International between India and New Zealand took place in Vadodara on Sunday. This match marked the first men's international game in the city since December 2010.
Jamieson's Perspective on the Crowd's Energy
Jamieson, who has shared a dressing room with Kohli at Royal Challengers Bangalore, spoke to the media after India's four-wicket victory. He highlighted the unique atmosphere of playing cricket in India. "Everyone's trying to help each other," Jamieson said. "I've been fortunate to come to this country a few times and to experience everything that comes with playing cricket in this country."
He specifically mentioned the younger New Zealand players. "It was so cool just to see them experience this for the first time, the crowd and the noise and every boundary and when Virat and Rohit walked out," Jamieson added. The BCA Stadium crowd clearly came to watch Kohli and Rohit bat, creating a memorable spectacle.
Kohli's Dominant Performance
While Rohit Sharma fell for a 29-ball 26, Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass. Kohli smashed 93 runs off just 91 balls, showcasing his exceptional form. He built crucial partnerships that propelled India toward victory.
- Kohli shared a 118-run stand for the second wicket with captain Shubman Gill in only 107 balls.
- He then added 77 runs with Shreyas Iyer in just 76 balls.
These partnerships demonstrated Kohli's ability to control the game and accelerate when needed.
Jamieson on Kohli's Greatness
Jamieson acknowledged Kohli's extraordinary talent and consistency. "It's hard to say from an opposition point of view whether this is the best version of him or not — he's been pretty good for a long time, right?" Jamieson remarked. He emphasized the challenge of facing Kohli.
"You feel every time you come up against him, you've got to be at your absolute best to even compete," Jamieson explained. "He's on a different level, he plays the game on a different level to most cricketers, and he looked pretty good for the most part."
Jamieson also noted the difficulty in containing such a player. "We'll just have to try and come up with some plans to try and contain him, but you don't contain the greats, they have their way a little bit, so just enjoyed watching him play for sure," he concluded.
The match in Vadodara not only provided thrilling cricket but also offered a glimpse into the enduring appeal of Kohli and Rohit. Their presence continues to electrify stadiums and inspire both fans and fellow players alike.
