Thaindian News

New Delhi, April 27 (IANS) After his team’s three-wicket victory over Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League here Tuesday, local boy Virat Kohli said that it was the best Kotla track he ever played on.

Kohli, who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore, said he was keen to do well here and had his family and coach at the stands to cheer him on.

“I really wanted to do well at this ground. I was keen on scoring and I am happy that I was able to do so. I was aware of the pitch and conditions but you have to score on the given day. I had the confidence to do well. But to say I scored because I was aware of the conditions, won’t be right to say,”he said.

The Kotla track was given a facelift with a fair sprinkling of grass on the request of Delhi Daredevils management.

“I think it was a very good wicket. I think it is the best wicket I have played on here. The ball was coming very nicely to the bat and it has pace for bowlers as well.”

Kohli, who bagged the man of the match award for his 56 runs, shared a crucial 82-run stand with West Indies’ explosive batsman Chris Gayle (26).

“It is amazing to have Gayle at the other end. He takes off the pressure from you. I think he is a great inclusion to the side. The kind of start he gave us in the previous match and this match also, takes off pressure off the middle order,” he said.

“The way we were going, I never expected that we will at one stage will be needing 7-7.5 runs an over. But AB’s and my dismissal turning (sic) things a bit. Had we been there we could have finished the game three overs earlier.”

Kohli said the team is positive after notching two back-to-back wins.

“We had two wins in a row. But we have few losses as well. The team is very positive. Now that we will be playing at home, we will be looking to make the most of the home advantage,” he said.