Virat Kohli: Rain is no excuse, our bowlers tried their best
When play on Day 5 began at Sabina Park, Kingston, everyone watching thought that it was just a matter of time before the West Indies batting line-up would crumble and be bowled out. But a brave batting display from Roston Chase (who scored his maiden Test century), Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich and captain Jason Holder saw the hosts snatch a draw.
Speaking after the end of the match, Indian captain Virat Kohli applauded the effort of the West Indian batsmen, mentioning that it was a special effort from the Holder-led team to have drawn the match from the situation they found themselves in. He also refused to blame the rain as an excuse for India not winning the game.
“It was testing day. That's what Test cricket is all about. Pity we lost most of yesterday (due to rain). That's no excuse, credit to the way West Indies played today. When you lose a Test and behind in the second, it takes something special to save the match,” he said.
The 27-year-old also refused to put the blame on his bowling line-up who picked up just two wickets on Day 5. He said he was pleased with the effort his bowlers put in.
“Our bowlers tried their best, we created some chances, but they didn't go to hand. The first four days the wicket was very active. The hardness of the ball was a factor. On these pitches when the ball is not hard enough, play goes dead for 25-30 overs. Pretty pleased with the effort the boys put in. After tea as well. Everybody put in a last push,” Kohli said.
Kohli also said that there wasn’t much to blame the failure to win on, as the Indian side went into the match with five bowlers.
"We don't want to walk away from the field wishing we had the fifth bowler. If five bowlers have given their best, and the opposition have done well, you just doff your hat to them," he added.
The two teams will now move on to Gros Islet, Saint Lucia for the third Test which begins on August 9.