India's head coach Rahul Dravid made a witty remark during the pre-match press conference before India's eighth match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, November 5.
India is set to face South Africa, whose formidable batting unit led them to a resounding 302-run victory over Sri Lanka. Speaking before the match, Dravid quipped, "we don't have the option to have a 6th proper bowler but we have a wrong-footed inswinger menace whom we can back for a couple of overs. He was close to doing so in the last game with crowd pushing him to do so."
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli is more focused on contributing to the team rather than his personal milestones. The star batsman narrowly missed his 49th ODI century during India's World Cup 2023 match against Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium, falling short by 12 runs equaling Sachin Tendulkar's record.
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"Virat has been really relaxed and keen to do what he has been doing for India. I have seen nothing different in how Virat goes about his business, not worried about his 49th or 50th or his birthday," India head coach Rahul Dravid told the reporters.
"He's always been professional, always been hardworking, always been switched on. So, nothing different. And no, I don't really think he's thinking too much about 49 and 50, and probably certainly not about his birthday getting a year older. But no, I think he's been really focused on winning the tournament and playing some good cricket for us. I think he's doing that really well," Dravid added.
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar had predicted that Virat Kohli would achieve his 50th ODI century on his birthday, in front of a lively and applauding crowd at Kolkata's Eden Gardens.
"Kohli will slam his 50th century against South Africa at the Eden Gardens and what better occasion than his birthday? It's a sight when you slam a ton there because the Kolkata crowd gives you a standing ovation, and cheers for you, the air is filled with whistles and claps. It is a moment to savour for every batter," Gavaskar had said on Star Sports.
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