Cape Town, Jan 15: India Test captain Virat Kohli has expressed disappointment in the team’s batting after losing the three-match series to South Africa 1-2.
India set a target of 212 for South Africa in the third and series-deciding Test, which the latter chased down comfortably with a seven-wicket win on Day 4 at Newlands.
“Batting has let us down in the last two matches. There is no running away from that,” Kohli told a virtual press conference on Friday.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed. That’s a natural part of sport. There is no room for ifs and buts in sport.
“When one moment passes there’s no point in thinking about it. It’s just that they’d a chasable total in the third Test,” he added.
On Day 3, India found themselves in a tricky period after both experienced campaigners Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane had yet another bad day.
Kohli and Rishabh Pant (100 not out) steadied the innings and built a solid 94-run partnership. But after the dismissal of Kohli (29), the lower middle-order failed to add crucial runs.
Asked how many chances will the team give to Pujara and Rahane, the skipper said: “That’s not for me to discuss. This is not my job, it is the selectors’ job.
“We have continued to support our players. They have contributed in the past and been part of important partnerships.
“Look, batting includes lower middle-order, till no.7 or 8 as well. It’s a collective responsibility to contribute with bat,” he added.
A number of Indian players, including Kohli, had directed anger at broadcaster after DRS saved South Africa captain Dean Elgar on Thursday.
