Virat Kohli made a decision that he just wants to enjoy his cricket: Ravi Ashwin

Former Indian spinner and analyst Ravi Ashwin believes that the Indian talismanic batter Virat Kohli has been batting without being diverted too much, adding that he is playing with the attitude of batting in his childhood, combined with many years of experience.

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Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, Ashwin heaped praise on the No.3 batter Kohli, who smacked a 93-run knock off 91 balls in the first ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara as India bagged a four-wicket win to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

"It looks like nothing is going on in his mind. You asked me what he has changed-he hasn't changed anything; he is just not thinking about anything. He made a decision that he just wants to enjoy his cricket. It seems like he is playing with the attitude of batting in his childhood, combined with the experience of so many years," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

Furthermore, Ashwin has lauded the Indian vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, who returned to international cricket after being sidelined for a spleen laceration. Notably, Iyer smacked 49 runs off 47 balls, playing a vital knock in the 301-run chase.

"We know that Shreyas has been Mr. Consistent for India in ODI cricket. His dismissal was very unlike Shreyas; he never leaves the game like this-he generally finishes it. But it is very understandable; he is making a comeback, and that was a good ball by Jamieson," he added.

Delving into the details of the first ODI, New Zealand was tasked to bat first after losing the toss. They managed to post a good total of 300/8 in 50 overs, thanks to Devon Conway’s 56, Henry Nicholls’ 62, and Daryl Mitchell’s 84-run knock.

However, India sealed the deal in 49 overs with four wickets in hand in the chase. Virat Kohli’s 93-run knock was pivotal as Men In Blue took a 1-0 lead with two more games left in the series. The second ODI will be played in Rajkot on Wednesday, January 14.

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