I Don’t Think We Were Brave Enough With Bat Or Ball: Virat Kohli After Defeat

Mumbai: Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony after their eight-wicket defeat against New Zealand, India captain Virat Kohli said they weren’t “brave enough” with the bat or ball.

The Asian giants, who entered the tournament as one of the favourites, were stunned first by Pakistan and then the Kiwis by 10 wickets and eight wickets, respectively.

“Quite odd. I don’t think we were brave enough with bat or ball. We didn’t have much to defend but we weren’t brave enough when we got on the field. Whenever we looked to take the game on, we lost a wicket. That happens in T20 cricket when some hesitation set in.”

Asked if the expectations from the players have improved, Virat Kohli said:

“When you play for the Indian cricket team you obviously have a lot of expectations and everyone knows it – not just from the fans, but from the players themselves. So there’s always going to be more pressure with our games and we’ve embraced it over the years.”

He said, “Everyone who plays for the Indian team has to adopt it. And when you embrace it and cope together as a team you’re able to overcome the pressure and we haven’t done it these two games. Just because you’re in the Indian team and there are expectations doesn’t mean you start playing differently.”

“I think we have to disconnect from that a little bit” – Virat Kohli

India’s batting looked very fragile in both matches. After scoring 152 runs against Pakistan, Kohli and his boys could only score 110 runs today. Ravindra Jadeja (26*) tops the batting charts in another top-order failure. New Zealand banked on Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson to chase down the target in just 14.3 overs.

India will lock horns with Afghanistan, who defeated Namibia in their last match, in their next game on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.

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