We were 30-40 short of giving them a good target: Virat Kohli on WTC final loss

Tags: ICC World Test Championship Final 2021, India vs New Zealand, Final at Southampton, Jun 18-22, 2021, New Zealand, India

Published on: Jun 24, 2021

Scorecard | Commentary | Graphs

Indian captain Virat Kohli admitted that his side fell 30-40 runs of setting New Zealand a good target in the World Test Championship (WTC) final in Southampton. Resuming the reserve day on 64 for 2, India were rolled over for 170 in their second innings, setting the Kiwis a target of 139. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson (52 not out) and Ross Taylor (47) then starred in a 96-run unbroken stand for the third wicket to guide the Kiwis home to victory in the maiden WTC

Speaking after the game, Kohli praised New Zealand for their consistency, and added that their team should have scored more in the second innings. He told the host broadcaster at the post-match presentation, "First up, a big congratulations to Kane and his team. They have shown great consistency and heart, and pull off a result in three days. They put us under pressure throughout the Test and did extremely well to win

“It was difficult to get momentum on Day 2, and we did really well with the ball in the first innings. This morning was the difference where their bowlers executed their plans to perfection and did not give us scoring opportunities. We were 30-40 short of giving them a good target," he stated.

The Indian captain, however, did not express regret over the team combination for the WTC final. Backing the decision to announce the playing XI ahead of the final, he added, "I do not regret announcing my XI beforehand, because you need an all-rounder in the side but we made a unanimous decision that these are the best XI we can take into the park. Jamieson is coming up nicely in international cricket - good areas with the ball, and he can bat quite well too. He's had a great game and he deserves the man of the match award."

Kohli also hailed the idea of the WTC, stating it is great for the Test format of the game. "It is great for the game (WTC) and the more Test cricket is given importance, the better it will be for international cricket. It is a great move by ICC. Test cricket is the heartbeat of the game. It is a long summer ahead and we are really looking forward to the next series (Tests against England)," Kohli went on to add.

Rishabh Pant top-scored for India with 41 in the second innings. However, Tim Southee’s four-for saw India being bowled out for 170. Ravichandran Ashwin got a couple of early wickets, but New Zealand eased their way to victory in the chase.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

Related News