Indian skipper Virat Kohli heaped praises on his bowlers after Men-in-Blue successfully defend a low total in Nagpur on Saturday to take a 2-0 lead in the ongoing five-match One Day International (ODI) series against Australia.

Batting first, Team India were bundled out for 250 runs, courtesy brilliant bowling by Australian pacer Pat Cummins. However, India bowlers were able to restrict the visiting team to 242 and won the match by eight runs.

“Just to come through in games like these, gives great confidence. I think it’s very important to look ugly at times and earn victories. There might be low totals in World Cup games as well. We will fight till the end, and tonight was an example of that,” Virat Kohli said at the end of the 2nd ODI.

The Indian skipper was the star of the match for India with the bat, as he scored 116 runs off 120 balls with 10 boundaries. Kohli batted almost till the end of the hosts innings. He received good support from all-rounder Vijay Shankar, who scored 46 off 41 deliveries before getting run out. Kohli and Shankar added 81 runs for the fourth wicket to boost Team India’s total.

“When I walk to bat, the situation gets difficult. I got no choice, just need to put my head down and bat. Me and Vijay had a good partnership. I’m totally exhausted now. He (Shankar) was batting outstandingly well, but was unfortunately run out. I knew 250+ will be challenging,” Kohli added.

Speaking about his record 40th ODI century, Kohli said: “It felt good, but just a number. As long as I keep playing for India, I’m happy.”

Kohli was also all praise for Indian bowlers for their disciplined performance.

“He (Shankar) just put the ball in the right areas. He showed great composure with both bat and ball; a good game for him. He’s (Bumrah) a champion. He just turned the game around. He’s at the top of the rankings, he’s at the top of his game. So proud to have him on our side,” Kohli, who has 49 ODI half-centuries to his name, remarked.

“This type of pitch was tailor-made for him (Kedar). He was keen to bowl the last over as well. He was chirping and encouraging bowlers. He gives you 7 quality overs as well,” Kohli concluded.