Day 5 of the first Test between India and England saw the hosts crumble in the second innings and losing the match by 227 runs. 

Even though Indian skipper Virat Kohli did his best to save his side from the loss and struck 72 off 104 deliveries on an unpredictable Chepauk pitch, he was unable to bring the match to a desired end.

In the post-match conversation with former India player turned commentator and analyst Murali Kartik, Kohli spoke about his experience of the first Test in Chennai and his mentality going forward in the series.

“It was a pretty slow wicket with not much happening in the first two days with the ball. You have to give credit where it’s due and we have to understand the things that we’ve done decently in this game. England played far more professionally,” Kohli said, lauding Joe Root’s side for clearly being the more prepared team.

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258 runs in the match
That sensational catch 🤲
All in his 100th Test match

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“You need your bowling unit to step up and perform more collectively. It’s okay, lack of execution is understandable. We’re always learning as a side. Test cricket is a grind. England were ready for the grind and were far more equipped,” the skipper addressed the issue where he felt India ended up losing the match.

“Firstly start off with good body language, understand the fields, and at the end of the day it’s the mindset. As a side, we’re a side that always improves and knows how to bounce back,” Kohli talked about how he is expecting out of his team and himself in the remaining three Test matches of the series.

Finally, when asked about all the noise created by Rishabh Pant on the field while keeping wickets, Kohli appreciated the young athlete’s motivation and even promoted his mentality of keeping his teammates entertained and dialed in especially when the things don’t seem to go their way.

“Yeah, Pant is a guy who likes to have fun on the field. That’s his personality and it’s very helpful for the team. He brings a lot of energy,” Kohli said.

The second Test match will also be taking place at the Chepauk stadium from February 13 but with 50% of the seating capacity filled with fans who will have to maintain strict social distance rules and will be required to wear face masks at all times.

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