ICC World Cup 2019

World Cup 2019: Batsmen are clueless against Bumrah, says Kohli

India cruised to a six-wicket win over South Africa thanks to a stellar century by Rohit Sharma and a collective bowling effort by the spin and pace departments.

K.C. Vijaya Kumar
Southampton 06 June, 2019 01:58 IST
Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah's hostile spell was crucial in restricting South Africa to an ordinary total.   -  Getty Images

K.C. Vijaya Kumar
Southampton 06 June, 2019 01:58 IST

Virat Kohli expressed satisfaction over India’s fine start in the World Cup.

“It was a very professional effort from us. It was a low-scoring game because of the pitch.

Starting well is important, and we got nicely together as a team,” the Indian captain told the media here on Wednesday evening.

READ | World Cup 2019: Rohit, Chahal lead India to winning start

The skipper was effusive in his praise of Rohit Sharma and said: “This is by far Rohit’s best ODI innings.”

When pressed about the spin-twins Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav and the rationale of often playing them together, Kohli replied: “Kuldeep and Chahal’s performance in South Africa last year was a massive factor in playing them together. Kuldeep controlled the innings and Chahal mixed things well.”

Kohli also rated Jasprit Bumrah’s spells highly and said: “You see batsmen being absolutely clueless against Bumrah, he is rushing them. I have not seen Hashim (Amla) get out like that.”

READ | World Cup 2019: Bumrah is operating at a different level, says Kohli

Meanwhile Chris Morris, who did his best both with the bat and ball for South Africa, rued the schedule.

“The schedule has been tough on us,” the speedster said and then sought to comfort fans back home and requested them to keep supporting the Proteas.

“I have been working on my bowling too,” Morris added.

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