Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

'Our game is as consistent as it can be'

Last updated on: August 1, 2012 20:20 IST

The series is in their grasp after two successive but in-form Indian batsman Virat Kohli said his team will remain focused on getting a hat-trick of wins when it takes the field in the fifth and final ODI against Sri lanka in Colombo.

Kohli's tremendous run against Sri Lanka continued on Tuesday where he notched up his 13th ODI century to help India successfully chase the 251 and take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series. 

India won the last two games played here each time chasing a target in excess of 250. 

"If we can win three in a row it will be wonderful for us. Our game is as consistent as it can be," said Kohli. 

'You have to take the game up one level'

Last updated on: August 1, 2012 20:20 IST

On his excellent form Kohli said, "You put yourself under pressure when go up in the rankings. 

"I personally think when you start scoring runs for your team and your country you have to take the game up one level. 

"Getting out for 105 or 106 after scoring a century doesn't help the cause of your team."

'You need to take wickets at regular intervals'

Last updated on: August 1, 2012 20:20 IST

Kohli said the Indians were intent on not giving away too many wickets during the chase. 

"This was what me and Suresh (Raina) discussed in the middle. When you are defending 250 you need to take wickets at regular intervals. Our plan was to stop that and try and create a partnership. We knew that the powerplay was due," he said.

Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene, meanwhile, admitted that his side was simply not good enough. 

"We did not play good enough cricket, we performed in patches, not really good performances. Our batting was not great, bowling not penetrative enough, fielding was below par," he said.

© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.