Kohli says India aren't invincible

Indian skipper Virat Kohli on Thursday hailed Sri Lanka for pulling off an emphatic victory, saying sometimes one just has to doff their hats to their opponents.

“I personally thought that we had enough on the board halfway,” said Kohli at the post match press conference on Thursday. “And I think our bowlers also bowled decently well. If batsmen come out and play like that and everyone plays well, you have to give credit to the opposition as well. We're not invincible. We are playing against other sides who are also champion sides. I mentioned this before that this Champions Trophy, you've got top eight teams in the world. There's no guarantee that someone can't beat the other.

“Exactly what I said before the game. It doesn't mean that we necessarily -- yes, when you lose games, of course, you will find negatives throughout the game. I think batting wise we did really well. We obviously have to consolidate and then explode in the end, and that's the way we always play. We’re not a side that always plays explosive cricket throughout the 50 overs, but if a side comes out here and plays cricket with that kind of mindset and executes their shots so well, then you have to take your hat off sometimes and say very well played.”

Following the defeat, India will now have to beat South Africa on Sunday to make it to the semifinals. Kohli said his team is looking forward to that virtual quarterfinal.

“It's become very exciting. Virtually every game is a quarterfinal now. In our group especially, all teams are on two points and you have to win your next game to go through, which is, I think, an exciting position to be in for all teams.”

Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews said his team are still the underdogs.

“It was a very important game for us. You know, no one really expected us to win. That took a lot of pressure off ourselves and we just went out there, expressed ourselves, and you can see what we can do when we play with a lot of freedom. You know, if we play good cricket, I'm certain that we can beat any team.”