Virat Kohli mighty pleased with the team's clinical effort

After a scintillating 304 runs victory in the first Test at Galle, Indian skipper Virat Kohli was impressed with the team’s overall stupendous performance. He showered praises on the team for their wonderful effort in the field. Coming into the series the No.1 Test team was expected to dominate the hosts and that was the story of the opening game of the tour.

Having elected to bat first the Indian team posted a huge 600 runs on the board on the back of Shikhar Dhawan’s 190 and Cheteshwar Pujara‘s 153. When the bowlers took the field they restricted Sri Lanka to 291 and this virtually gave them a match winning lead. Kohli decided to bat again since the wicket still was pretty good to bat on and the added another 240/3 dec. and it was the skipper who added a century to his tally this time.

In the last inning, a diminished Sri Lankan team could field only eight batters and they lasted only 76.5 overs and scored 245 in the second innings to give India their biggest win outside home by a whopping 304 runs.

“We are a more experienced side now and have been playing consistent cricket. We covered all our bases nicely and guys stood up when it mattered. This wicket was much harder than the last time and bowlers had to work hard as there wasn’t much assistance from the wicket. This shows the kind of skills they possess,” a delighted Kohli said in the post-match presentation.

Credit to India

On the other hand, Sri Lankan captain Rangana Herath gave credit to the Indian team for a brilliant performance. Not coming out to bat owing to a finger injury, Herath said his injury was getting better. “The toss wasn’t a factor, it was a good batting wicket and all the credit goes to the Indian team. We need to improve in all the three departments and improve ourselves quickly if we are to compete,” he said.

Shikhar Dhawan who scored a magnificent 190 runs on his comeback into the Test side was awarded the man of the match. “I really enjoyed my batting and was looking to score runs. There is healthy competition [for the opening slot] which is good for Indian cricket. It helps me to stay on my toes,” Dhawan said.