Virat Kohli has no complaints about Niroshan Dickwella's time wasting tactics
A day after Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella admitted that he was trying to use up time in the final session of day five of the first Test between India and Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Indian captain Virat Kohli admitted that he too would "do anything" to help his side win.
With the light fading and Sri Lanka in disarray, Dickwella took it upon himself to rile up the Indian players, kill time and help the visitors salvage a draw from the Test. After bringing up the fact that there were three fielders behind square on the leg side to the umpire, he went face-to-face with Mohammed Shami.
Speaking about the incident that took place at the press conference ahead of the second Test in Nagpur, Kohli said: "I like to see that competition on the field. In the heat of things or in that moment, I would do anything for my team to win but afterwards we had a normal chat and in the flight as well. Those things end on the field but when you are competitive as an opponent, we always respect that about any opponent."
While the incident might have riled up the Indian players as they were desperately chasing a victory in a fight against the fading light, Kohli added that they had no issues following the conclusion of the game and things went back to where they were.
The Indian captain also went on to heap praise on the Sri Lankan wicketkeeper, who he predicted to have a bright future.
"Everyone has different characters but I like to see that. I like that competition on the field and he is someone who takes a lot of pride in his cricket. I have been very impressed with what I've seen so far. From the last series as well, he has a great ability to do something special for Sri Lankan cricket.
"He is a very feisty character and that works for his game, credit to him for maintaining that and I am sure that he'll do many good things in future as well for Sri Lanka cricket."