India's fielding coach T Dilip was all praise for Virat Kohli for his exceptional display of focus and maturity en route his 29th Test ton against West Indies in the second Test match. This innings brought to an end his five-year drought for an overseas century. Kohli's knock of 121 off 206 balls played a major role in India’s first innings score of 438. He also equalled Don Bradman’s record with this Test century.
Speaking about Kohli's innings, Dilip highlighted the transformation in his approach, with the former Indian captain making a conscious effort to curb his flamboyance. Kohli’s grit, determination and patience was on display even in the previous Test match and this century vindicated his efforts.
“His application was fantastic and at the same time, temperament on this wicket… there were times when the West Indies bowlers came good and he respected them. Overall, the way he paced the innings was fantastic,” Dilip said.
Talking about Kohli’s commitment to fitness, Dilip said that the former Indian captain leads by example and walks the talk. “It has been 10 years, he is still an attacking fielder, so it rubs on to the youngsters when a person like him is running around and takes those catches and attacks the ball so well,” Dilip added.
While Virat Kohli scored a century, Ravindra Jadeja scored 61, which was his 18th Test half-century, as the duo stitched a 159-run partnership after India was reduced to 182 for 4.
Dilip also highlighted the remarkable improvement in Ravichandran Ashwin and Jadeja's bowling performances. He was all praise for Jadeja’s progress as a batter and how he adds value as an all-rounder in the side.
“If you look at Ashwin and Jadeja, everyone knows about their bowling performance. But of late, especially Jadeja, he has improved his batting tremendously that he is batting nearly at number six now, it is a fantastic sign for India,” Dilip added.
West Indies ended Day 2 on 86 for 1 in response to India’s 438.
