India batter Virat Kohli: “It was a wicket that was a bit tricky to bat on. So we got a great start and when I got in my job was to keep the momentum. After the powerplay the pitch slowed down and the ball started gripping so my role was different. We want to string together a big partnership and bat to the end.
“We were not thinking we would get to 326 but that’s what happens when you dig deep and take the game to the final few overs.
“Me and Shreyas had a lot of practice sessions before the Asia Cup. We said that this was the partnership to take centre stage though the middle overs. We are comfortable rotating the strike against the spinners and putting the loose balls away so credit to him.”
On equalling Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI century record: “Every opportunity to play for India is a big one and to do this on my birthday in front of a huge crowd is the stuff of dreams. It is something you dream about as a child.
“I am just happy to help the team as much as possible.”
On India reaching 326-5: “It is well above par because it was not easy to get hold of in the middle overs. We have to work hard but get a few breakthroughs and the pressure starts to mount. We need to start well with the new ball.”
