The crowd at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad saw some blistering fireworks from the Indian captain Virat Kohli on Friday. The 31-year-old batsman took West Indies bowlers to the cleaners and slammed unbeaten 94 off just 50 balls.
Fans watching Kohli’s outstanding knock were over the moon as India chased down 208 to register their highest chase in T20Is.
The Bystanders were roaring and jumping off from their seats as they got to see one of the most breathtaking innings of chase master Kohli.
India win!
Another wonderfully paced run-chase led by Virat Kohli, who also had some fun during his innings 📝
The Indian captain hit 94*, his highest score In T20Is 💪 #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/v3bQcRjbMC
— ICC (@ICC) December 6, 2019
The exchange of words between Kesrick Williams and Kohli flared-up the atmosphere. The aftermath, however, was unpredictable as nobody would have imagined the way Kohli retaliated. He imitated Williams’ iconic ‘notebook’ celebration.
Indian cricket fans took to social media to express their feelings and some of them even stated that Kohli’s celebration was inspired by Chadwick Walton’s celebration in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
However, Kohli explained the reason behind his celebration against the Windies in the post-match presentation.
The Indian skipper while speaking to Sanjay Manjerakar revealed that he did the notebook celebration not because he had seen it in the CPL but because Williams had given him a send-off during a T20I in 2017.
“It’s not the CPL (about Williams’s celebration), it happened to me in Jamaica when he got me out. So I thought I’ll tick a few in the notebook as well, but all good. There were a few words, but smiles at the end. That’s what you want to see. Good competitive cricket but in the end shake hands and give a high-five. That’s what cricket is all about. Play it hard but have respect for opponents,” said Kohli.
.@imVkohli on being asked about the 'notebook celebration': "Play hard but respect the opponent" 🙌🙌#INDvWI #SpiritOfCricket pic.twitter.com/Yku21Gtht0
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 6, 2019
