Virat Kohli unimpressed with bowling attack, says India ‘completely outplayed’ in 2nd ODI

India captain Virat Kohli had no reservations in accepting that his side was ‘completely outplayed’ by a formidable Australian side in the 2nd ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday. After registering a 66-run defeat in the opening ODI of the three-match series, India was handed down a 51-run drubbing as Steve Smith continued with his magnificent form, notching up a fifth ODI century against India.

India, invited to bowl, leaked runs and Kohli was left unimpressed with his bowling attack. “We were completely outplayed. I think with the ball, we were not that effective, we didn’t hit the areas that we wanted to consistently and they have a strong batting line-up, they know the conditions and the angles well,” Kohli said during the post-match presentation.

Also Read | 2nd ODI: Australia annihilate India to take unassailable lead in 3-match series

Chasing Australia’s 389, India finished at 338 for 9 with Kohli (89) and KL Rahul (76) being the top-scorer.

“Look at the scoreboard, we got 340 and still fell short by 50 odd, so the chase always felt steep and we knew one or two wickets would take the required rate to up to 13, 16 and so we had to keep hitting,” the Indian captain added.

“They took the chances that they created in the field, which was the difference, otherwise it would have been a much closer game.” “…credit to them, they bowled much more consistently and used the dimensions well.”

Also Read | Steve Smith powers Australia to 389 with a scintillating ton

Kohli said the two catches which led to his and Shreyas Iyer’s (38) dismissal were the “defining moments” of the game.

“Me and KL (Rahul) were talking if we stick around till 40-41 (overs), even 100 in last 10 overs with Hardik to come, it was game on, that was the game plan but the two catches that they hung on to were the defying moments,” he said.

A pleased Australia captain Aaron Finch said his bowlers took some lessons from the way Pandya bowled.

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“Moises bowled really well defensively including his cutters, and as Virat said, we got a bit of a blueprint from Hardik, by taking the pace off the ball,” he said.

The third and final ODI will be played on December 2 at the Manuka Oval, Canberra.