Intensity Of Our Cricket Remains High Regardless Of Whom We Play Against, Says Virat Kohli

Dec 23, 2018 at 4:54 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Intensity Of Our Cricket Remains High Regardless Of Whom We Play Against, Says Virat Kohli

The Story

India will be up against Australia facing a brand new challenge that may potentially hurt their recent dream run. India is no doubts favorites ahead of the opening game set to be hosted at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.

After a super show in Champions Trophy and dominating performances against Sri Lankan in their backyard, the balance is tilted towards the hosts.

But, that being said, Australia, who is currently facing one of the lowest points in recent times, will bring a whole different level of competitiveness to the table despite all the odds.

Aggression in mind

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, however, isn’t bothered by the change in opposition or its quality. Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the Sunday’s clash, he calmly disregarded the requirement for special preparations keeping Australia in mind while conceding that high intensity matters more than the quality of challenge.

“Your preparation should matter more than who you are playing against. Obviously, you will assess the strengths and weakness of the opposition. But, as I said before you can’t increase and decrease the intensity according to the opposition. That’s not sport. We like to prepare to play with the same kind of intensity regardless of the whom we are playing against,” said Kohli ahead of the 1st ODI.

Need for versatility in the side

India currently has a team which has grown strength to strength in the last couple of years. The advantage of this collective effort to build a young team has resulted in the availability of talents in abundance and the liberty to experiment.

Kohli and team management have used this freedom wisely, and so far things have given positive results. But, the ever-evolving nature of the game also has had the skipper looking for more versatility in the side.

“Players need to adapt to the team requirement. For example, I open in T20 cricket. So I will do that on any given day if the need arises. I should be flexible enough to adjust. In one cricket as well, I have batted at different positions, in the middle order as well as top order. I think it is upto the player to get versatile. He needS to do what the team requires,” he added pointing out the importance of having versatile players in the side.

Kohli also stated that the side also is looking to having 2-3 “proper” all-rounders in the team.

“You need depth in batting as well, you need depth in bowling as well. We have Hardik or Axar, Jadeja. I think we need to identify players who can contribute with both bat and ball along with the guy being a top fielder as well. That is something which all the sides in the world are doing. Our focus is on having proper all-rounders.”

Mind games don’t matter

Former Australia seamer Jason Gillespie and former skipper Michael Clarke are two of the most prominent names who have advised the Australian bunch to stay away from riling up Virat Kohli. This is, no doubt, a very sound, and sensible advice considering the track record of the Indian skipper against Australia, especially when triggered off by the opposition.

Speaking about mind games of Australian players, Kohli brushed it aside stating that experienced players don’t react to such verbal jibes.

“All the talks are aspects of mind game. I think it creates an excitement for the fans who are watching and also the players involved in the contest. Players get more pumped up. I don’t think it boils down to metal and physical fatigue. Competitiveness is necessary but you need to be calm when executing the skills.”

Related Article
Medical Complication The Reason Behind Virat Kohli’s Extended Break, Claims Journalist
Medical Complication The Reason Behind Virat Kohli’s Extended Break, Claims Journalist

Feb 12, 2024, 3:05 PM


While MS Dhoni Was My Captain, My Eye Was On Virat Kohli: Ravi Shastri
While MS Dhoni Was My Captain, My Eye Was On Virat Kohli: Ravi Shastri

Feb 10, 2024, 3:34 PM


Not Available For Last Three Tests As Well: Virat Kohli Tells Selectors
Not Available For Last Three Tests As Well: Virat Kohli Tells Selectors

Feb 10, 2024, 9:52 AM


Virat Kohli To Miss Third Test, In Contention To Return For Last Two Tests Against England
Virat Kohli To Miss Third Test, In Contention To Return For Last Two Tests Against England

Feb 9, 2024, 2:10 PM


IND vs ENG 2024: Virat Kohli Set To Miss Entire Series Against England: Report
IND vs ENG 2024: Virat Kohli Set To Miss Entire Series Against England: Report

Feb 8, 2024, 9:19 AM


IND vs ENG: Missing The Battle Between Virat Kohli And James Anderson, I’m Looking Forward To It – Nasser Hussain
IND vs ENG: Missing The Battle Between Virat Kohli And James Anderson, I’m Looking Forward To It – Nasser Hussain

Feb 7, 2024, 6:35 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner