'He was returning after a break': Virat Kohli's childhood coach credits Rohit Sharma for India's win over SL in 1st ODI

Jan 11, 2023 04:41 PM IST

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Virat Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma was all praise for Indian skipper Rohit Sharma after India crushed Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI on Tuesday.

Run machine Virat Kohli shattered multiple records in India's series opener against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. After ending the previous year with a record-breaking century in Bangladesh, Kohli kickstarted the 2023 season with a sublime ton as Rohit Sharma-led India upstaged Sri Lanka in the 1st One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium. Kohli slammed his 45th ODI century and the batting icon surpassed Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar in an elite list at Guwahati.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma and teammate Virat Kohli greet each other after winning the 1st ODI (PTI)

With India taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, Kohli's childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma was all praise for the former leader of the Men In Blue. Reflecting on India's win over Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI, Rajkumar also credited skipper Rohit and opener Shubman Gill for playing crucial knocks in the high-scoring contest. Rohit (83) and Gill (70) slammed quick-fire half-centuries which laid the foundation for a match-winning total of 373-7 in the 50-over contest.

ALSO READ: Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar's staggering century record, pips India legend in elite list with 45th ton in 1st SL ODI

"It was good to see Rohit Sharma bat in this fashion, given that he was returning after a break. Shubman Gill has performed consistently with the bat and was able to do the same in this match as well. India were able to post a mammoth total due to their opening partnership," Rajkumar told India News Sports.

While Rohit and Gill missed out on their respective centuries, former Indian skipper Kohli top-scored for India by registering his 73rd international century. Kohli's 87-ball 113 guided Rohit-led India to a comfortable 67-run win over the Dasun Shanaka-led side. "Virat Kohli capitalized on the start given by the two openers. They gave the team an ideal start, scoring runs at a good strike rate. That is why India were able to dominate," Kohli's childhood coach added. Former Indian skipper Kohli was also named the Player of the Match for his batting masterclass. India will meet Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI at the Eden Gardens on Thursday.

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