Why did Virat Kohli sledge Kesrick Williams in 1st T20I?
India came up with a prolific batting performance, especially skipper Virat Kohli, as his unbeaten knock of 94 helped the side defeat the visitors Windies in the opening T20I, in Hyderabad, on Friday. However, one of the most talked aspects of the game was Kohli sledging Windies pacer, Kesrick Williams, with a 'notebook' send-off. But, why did he do so? We decode.
Kohli sledges Williams with a 'notebook' send-off
The incident happened while India were chasing a mammoth total of 208. Kohli was on a rampage in the second half, as he smashed Williams for 23 runs in the 16th over. Following the over, Kohli sledged Williams with his 'notebook' send-off, where he was seen taking out a virtual notebook from his pocket and striking the name of his victim.
Why did Kohli sledge him?
As for the reason behind Kohli sledging Williams, it did initially seem like a copy of the latter's celebration in the CPL. However, Kohli later made it clear that it was more of a revenge, explaining Williams had done the same to him following his dismissal in Jamaica, in 2017. "I thought, I will tick a few in the notebook as well," he said.
Williams did the same to Kohli in Jamaica
Play it hard, but have respect for opponents: Kohli
"There were a few words, but smiles at the end. That's what you want to see. Good competitive cricket, but in the end, shake hands and give a hi-fi. That's what cricket is all about. Play it hard, but have respect for opponents," added Kohli.
Kohli gives Williams the taste of his own medicine
How did the match pan out?
West Indies lost Lendl Simmons (2) right at the start. However, Lewis and King took the game away from India with a 51-run stand for the second wicket. Hetmyer and Pollard continued with the momentum, before Jason Holder (24*) thrived with a cameo. In reply, Rohit departed early, however, Rahul and Kohli got the scorecard moving. Their efforts helped India seal a crucial win.
Records scripted during the match
Following are some records scripted during the match: - Yuzvendra Chahal has now become the joint-highest T20I wicket-taker for India, along with Ravichandran Ashwin (52). - KL Rahul became seventh Indian to surpass 1,000 career T20I runs. - Kohli became the second batsman to surpass 2,500 career T20I runs. - Rahul and Kohli registered the eighth 100-plus stand for India in T20Is against Windies.
