Optimistic Team India skipper Virat Kohli during his presser ahead of the series opener of the five-match One-day International series against New Zealand is ready to face the daunting challenges overseas. He reiterated they are aiming to clinch the series while preparing ahead of the 2019 World Cup. The Men in Blue leader Kohli cited the team has set eyes on the series victory. But they don’t want to get carried away at the same time.
“Look, winning is always going to be a very important factor when you’re playing for your country. Obviously, you want to win every game that you play. But the main thing is not to be desperate at this stage. There needs to be a good atmosphere in the change room and there needs to be calmness and a collective effort towards… just refining ourselves as a team approaching the World Cup,” Kohli told in a pre-match press conference at McLean Park.
The 30-year-old Kohli who also swept ICC Awards 2018, said they would do some improvisation in the team if required. He is pretty adamant to come good on New Zealand shores.
“If we need to try a few players here and there… just to see they react in different situations or positions in the team. We are open to doing that as well. We don’t want to be too rigid. Because you have to be flexible in your mind and in your preparation to be able to be competitive in a big tournament like the World Cup,” Kohli added.
In addition to, Kohli made it clear that their primary goal is to win games and it’s not only about the experimentation. He added they’re representing the country at the highest level and that has its importance.
“So, I think we need a good balance of both. Even if we back a few players to play at some stage the idea is still to win games and not just think of it as an experiment. Because, as I said it is an honour to play for your country and that should be paramount in everyone’s head,”
Kohli on New Zealand’s consistency:
While addressing the media on the eve of ODI opener at Napier, Kohli has also shed light on the consistency of New Zealand particularly in the day-long format.
“Well, the fact is that they there are the No.3 ranked team in the world. And it speaks about their consistency over the last couple of years,” Kohli said.
Kohli asserted the way Kiwis play the top-flight cricket is itself an example owing to the spirit of the game.
“They play their cricket in the right way. And that’s something we always appreciate in the whole New Zealand Cricket Team,” Kohli further said.
Apart from giving their best, Kohli remarked hosts balance in the team is what could test the visiting camp.
“Just in terms of the whole balance of the side I think they’re probably one of the most balanced teams in the world. That’s going to be the biggest challenge for us,” Kohli also added.
Moreover, Kohli and co don’t want to show any complacency against the Black Caps. The hosts led by Kane Williamson have a good track record in their own den. Kohli added the Blacks Caps has been banking on the stability to yield the results.
“We played them in India as well and we got beaten in Mumbai and all the games were competitive. And we just felt like they had a really good balance in their team,” Kohli stated.
Kohli also reiterated the hosts boast about the experience in the bowling department. He maintained the youngsters had shown promise with seniors like Trent Boult and Tim Southee leading the pack.
“The bowling attack is experienced at the same time and not that old you know Tim [Southee], Trent Boult all these guys are experienced. But they had that energy and the buzz about them all the time,” Kohli further added.