IND vs SL: Virat Kohli thanks throwdown specialists after tremendous outing in final ODI

Flamboyant India batter Virat Kohli thanked three throwdown specialists of the Indian squad after the massive win against Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI in Kerala. The Men in Blue clinched a series whitewash 3-0 against the Islanders after emerging victorious by a record-breaking 317 runs in the final ODI.

Thanks to centuries by Kohli (166*) and Shubman Gill (116), the side posted a mammoth total of 390 runs in the 50 overs of the match. After the series win, in a post-match chat, centurions Kohli and Gill talked about the unsung heroes of the side who played a major role in their success.

Virat Kohli said "This is Raghu, Daya, Nuwan - they challenge us every day with 145 kmph, 150 kmph, practice sessions are so intense, make us ready for the match, they had played a big role in my success, so everyone should remember their faces & names so thank you guys". pic.twitter.com/XgzAdukSZA

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 16, 2023

These guys give us the confidence to play at this level: Shubman Gill

Adding to the statements by Kohli, Gill took to the occasion to further credit the specialists for their contribution. He added how the background heroes put in so much of hard work to prepare players as per the situation.

“These three guys combined would have around 1200-1500 wickets easily. They put in a lot of hard work and help us prepare in any condition that we want to play in or any sort of specific condition that we want to practice before going in a match. These are the people that give us the confidence that we can perform at this level,” added Gill.

Both Gill and Kohli stitched a 131-run partnership for the second wicket while batting first. Mohammed Siraj then claimed a four-fer as the hosts sent Sri Lanka packing for mere 73 runs.

Kohli was named Player of the Series for scoring 283 runs in three matches at an average of 141.50 and a strike rate of 137.38. India will next play New Zealand in a three-match ODI series scheduled to commence on Wednesday, January 18 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

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