Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has praised the star Indian batter Virat Kohli for his superb innings against New Zealand. While chasing the target of 274 runs, Kohli played a stunning innings of 95 runs off 104 runs.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Raina praised Kohli for his excellent form and leadership, highlighting his impressive performance against New Zealand, where he scored 95 runs from 104 deliveries, including eight boundaries and two sixes.
Virat Kohli is in a very different zone. He’s been in prime form, enjoying his batting and is taking responsibility. The best thing he did today was have a good partnership with Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja is also amongst runs now and he needed that confidence from Virat Kohli,” said Raina.
Raina further emphasised that Kohli consistently steps up for the Indian team when they face challenges, citing Kohli’s pivotal role in India’s successful chase of 274 runs against New Zealand, securing their fifth consecutive victory in the 2023 World Cup.
Jadeja is now amongst the runs and finished the game unbeaten. Whenever the situation comes, Jadeja can also play the big shots. Every time we’re in trouble, Kohli says let me do the job for the team. He’s done that a lot of times. The confidence, the calmness, the game awareness has been amazing from Kohli,” Raina added.
Raina also praised the skipper Rohit Sharma for his aggressive batting. Hitman gave a flying start to team India along with Shubman Gill. They both stitched a partnership of 71 runs for the first wicket where Rohit got 46 runs off 40 balls.
“I love Rohit Sharma’s attitude and the way he’s been batting. He wanted to dominate the bowlers like he did against Matt Henry. The best thing that I liked about Rohit was that he was stepping out, which disturbs a pace bowlers line. He’s been in prime form and has been hitting the ball really well,” said Raina.