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'It was a challenging wicket, that's what you want as a cricketer'

March 20, 2016 00:03 IST

IMAGE: India's Virat Kohli walks off the field after winning their World T20 match against Pakistan at the Eden Gardens. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters.

Man of the match Virat Kohli has said that it is the challenge of playing on tough pitches like the one at Eden Gardens brings the best out of him.

- Scorecard

"It was a challenging wicket, that's what you want as a cricketer -- new challenges to play. Last game, I was very disappointed to have got out, that really hurt.

"Even the 49 against Pakistan in Dhaka was really satisfying, that's what you need, a tough pitch a good bowling attack and you pulling your team out of trouble," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony. 

He was all praise for Yuvraj Singh, who helped him conjure a 61-run stand. 

"Yuvraj weathered the storm and then smacked a few. That's Yuvi style. I think these performances are good for him as well, he's in good nick."

IMAGE: India's Virat Kohli celebrates after scoring his half century during the ICC World T20 match against Pakistan at Eden Gardens. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters.

Kohli admitted that he did not know that wicket would offer so much turn till Ashwin started bowling. 

"I didn't look at wicket till Ashwin started bowling. The way the ball spun, I thought it was going to grip. Even cutters bowled by fast bowlers was gripping.

"So I told our batting coach (Sanjay Bangar) that since the ball was popping up, I would stand inside the crease and open the bat face rather than hit cover drive," said Kohli. 

He dedicated his 50 to Sachin Tendulkar, who was there in the stands. 

"I started playing cricket watching him. So do it infront of 67,000 people with him celebrating, it was a great feeling."

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