Playing in his 500th international match, Vi rat Kohl ended his another drought by scoring his first overseas century since 2018 for India on day two of the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval on Friday.
Kohl was so comfortable against the West Indies attack that he got himself out.
“I really enjoyed myself out there. I was in rhythm in which I wanted to be. I always looked at pressure as an opportunity to stand up for my team. I switch on myself in the contest, and it gets the best out of me,” Vi rat Kohl told the broadcasters after the day's play.
“I took my time, they were bowling in good areas when I walked in, so I had to take my time. The outfield wasn’t quick and fluent as it should have been.”
He resumed on 87; had all night to ponder whether he’d get his 29th test century and 76th century across the formats, after falling for 76 in Dominica.
WATCH | Vi rat Kohl hits ton before WI openers being solidly
The spectators had to wait only seven overs into the day for him to achieve the milestone after steering Shannon Gabriel past point for his 10th boundary. Kohl faced 180 deliveries. He bowed and kissed his wedding ring.
On scoring an away hundred after 5 years, Kohl said: “These are things for others to talk. I have got 15 hundreds away from home, that’s not a bad record. I have got more hundreds away than at home. The key is to do well to the best of my ability. We haven’t played 30 matches away from homes, and I have got a few fifty-plus scores.”
I want to contribute as much as possible. If I get 50 the feeling is I missed out on a 100, if I get 120 the feeling is I missed out on a double hundred. These stats and milestones mean nothing in 15 years’ time, what they will remember is if I left an impact or not.
“I am grateful to play 500 games for India. I never imagined. It’s all hard work. It’s the commitment you give to the sport you are playing which gives you the result,” he added.
Kohl was eventually out for 121 off 206 balls when he tried to squeeze a single off his own shot and was run out by Azzurri Joseph’s throw from square leg. Kohl would have been in if he dived, but his stand with Jade of 159 was broken.
“For me, converting 1 into 2 is easy runs, and I am never going to leave that opportunity. I’m not someone who will wait for a period where I score a bunch of boundaries off 10 balls. If I am scoring six boundaries, I am already batting on 90 which keeps me off pressure. My fitness helps me switch between formats easily. I feel I can bat 300 balls, bat at a good strike rate and keep my intensity high. I am committed to play the game at my best fitness abilities,” he said.
This is also the 100t Test match between India and West Indies and the former India captain said this Port of Spain is a historical venue and one of his favorites too.
West Indies and India go a long way. It is a special occasion for me. Couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to the Test.
Nice
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