After a bruising defeat at the hands of ninth-ranked West Indies side, India captain Virat Kohli slammed his batsmen for poor shot selection that led to the big debacle in the fourth ODI at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua. "Our shot selection wasn't up to the mark. We lost crucial wickets at crucial stages. You have got to keep up the momentum through the game. Credit to the West Indies bowlers.
They created those dot balls that induced those mistakes. It felt a bit two-paced. Apart from that, I don't think there was anything else in the pitch," Kohli said after the match.
He, however, praised his bowlers for restricting West Indies to 189.
"We bowled really well to restrict them to 189. The bowlers were on the mark, and the fielders as well. With the bat, we faltered and that can happen in this game. We just have to put this behind us and come back fresh for the next game," said Kohli.
West Indies captain Jason Holder was pleased as punch after a hard-earned win.
"Extremely pleased with the guys. It took a big effort.
Credit must go to all the bowlers. I thought the fielding was very supportive. We knew we could beat India. Just needed some application. Throughout the series we have spoken about taking new-ball wickets," said Holder.
Holder said that the key to troubling India is to get top-three quickly.
"India's top order has been doing well. It's all about getting Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat as soon as possible. I want to make a special mention of Kesrick Williams -- showed a lot of maturity in his second game, showed a lot of heart as well."
Holder, however, agreed that batting is an area of concern.
"Batting is an area of concern. We were thinking 250 was the par score on this ground. I always believe in myself. I thought I was doing fairly well in the series so far. Only criticism was at the back end. Roddy Estwick told me not to try too many things and just stick to my plans, and that's what I did."
(With PTI Inputs)
