Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has showered praise on the legendary Virat Kohli, highlighting his unwavering commitment and ability to lead from the front. Iyer's admiration comes fresh off India's convincing victory over Australia in the second One Day International (ODI) held in Vadodara on Sunday, September 24, 2023.
Iyer Hails Kohli's Match-Winning Performance
Following the team's success, Shreyas Iyer did not hold back in applauding Virat Kohli's pivotal role. Kohli played a magnificent innings, scoring a masterful 78 runs off 76 balls, which was instrumental in India posting a formidable total. Iyer emphasized that Kohli's greatness lies not just in his words but in his actions on the field. "He walks the talk," Iyer stated, pointing out that the former captain consistently delivers under pressure and sets a benchmark for his teammates.
Iyer elaborated on the profound impact Kohli has within the dressing room. He described Kohli as a player whose intensity and work ethic are infectious, pushing everyone around him to raise their standards. The middle-order batsman noted that watching Kohli construct his innings, with precise running between the wickets and calculated aggression, was a learning experience in itself.
Team Effort Seals Series Lead in Vadodara
The Vadodara match was a showcase of collective strength. After being put in to bat first, India put up a strong score of 339 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Apart from Kohli's solid knock, significant contributions came from opener Shubman Gill and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. The bowling unit then stepped up brilliantly to defend the total.
The Indian bowlers, led by the spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, dismantled the Australian batting lineup. Australia was eventually bowled out for 217 runs in 28.2 overs, handing India a massive 122-run victory (via the DLS method). This win gave India a crucial 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
The Kohli Effect: Beyond the Boundary
Shreyas Iyer's comments shed light on the intangible value Virat Kohli brings to the Indian squad. Even after stepping down from captaincy across formats, Kohli remains a central figure whose drive and passion influence the team's culture. Iyer suggested that having a player of Kohli's caliber, who consistently performs and embodies a winning mentality, is a huge asset for any team aspiring for global dominance.
The victory in Vadodara not only puts India in a commanding position in the series but also reinforces the team's formidable form ahead of major tournaments. With players like Kohli leading by example and younger talents like Iyer acknowledging and absorbing these lessons, the future looks bright for Indian cricket. The focus now shifts to the final match of the series, where India will aim for a clean sweep.
