Stout batsman Virat Kohli was crowned with the ‘Fielder of the Match’ award after India missed out on the World Cup title at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted a video that made viewers recap and relive the World Cup journey that lasted over the past month and a half. Indian fielding coach T Dilip every time came up with new ways to make the award even more special. But this time it was a simple conversation that saw Kohli lift the medal.
The veteran batsman produced an inspiring stroke with the bat but was even more sensational on the field with his aggressive presence. He welcomed every wicket as if he had claimed it himself and positioned his body on the line to prevent the ball from running towards the boundary.
Praising Kohli for his magic on the field, Dilip said in a BCCI video, “I think we took some brilliant catches over the course of the tournament but what I really liked is the brotherhood we shared on the field. People supported each other the way everyone supported, that’s great to see and I just see growing up as a team on the pitch and today’s winner, he’s been a great player. He sets high standards for himself and every time he steps on the field he does Magic and the best part is that not only does he do his job so well, but his actions inspire so many people and that is none other than Virat Kohli.”
Dilip also gave an inspirational speech to cheer up the players and ensure that even after ending up on the losing side, the players can be proud of themselves.
“Guys, I know it is tough and we all feel the pain but that is what it is. We have done everything right and yet the result is not in our favor. But I think Rahul (Dravid) bhai said that we can all be proud of ourselves. I appreciate and thank every player in this group who put in the effort during the practice sessions. The way you put yourself on the line, your intention and energy. I couldn’t ask for more than this. Well done, Dilip added.
The match saw India reach a score of 240 in 50 overs. On a heavy batting surface, skipper Rohit Sharma (47 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes), Virat Kohli (54 in 63 balls, with four boundaries) and KL Rahul (66 in 107 balls, with one four) posted important knocks.
Mitchell Starc (3/55) was the bowlers’ choice for Australia. Skipper Pat Cummins (2/34) and Josh Hazlewood (2/60) also bowled well. Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell got a wicket each.
Chasing 241, India defeated the Aussies 47/3. Knocks from Travis Head (137 in 120 balls, with 15 fours and four sixes) and Marnus Labuschagne (58 in 110 balls, with four boundaries) left the Indian team without answers and led them to a six-wicket victory.
The World Cup finalists will now compete in a five-match T20I series, starting in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.
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