Dubai 9 September : Former India captain Virat Kohli told reporters following his century-making performance against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup Super-Four stage that he had entered this tournament with only one objective -to improve the things he required to improve on from the perspective of a team. “My sole objective (coming to the Asia Cup) was that everything I had to work on from the perspective of the team I’ll be there and test in the competition,” said Kohli, who scored his 71st century in international cricket in the huge victory of 101 runs against Afghanistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday evening.
Kohli’s debut T20I century was a bit late as India was eliminated of the tournament following earlier defeats to Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
“It was an extremely special day for our team.
We had discussed following the previous game (loss against Sri Lanka) that we should approach the field (against Afghanistan) with a positive mindset, because that is very important for us.This tournament was extremely important for us, certainly.We gained exposure of the knockout stage, we were exposed to stressful scenarios,” added Kohli.
Kohli however, stated that the primary goal was the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in October-November, where the Asia Cup had given the team many lessons.
“But our ultimate goal, as everyone knows is to play in the (T20) World Cup in Australia and we are advancing in every aspect of the sport.We’ll learn from the games (here) which did not go as well for us.” Kohli said.Kohli.
Rohit Sharma congratulated Kohli for his eagerly-awaited 71st century in international cricket The batting legend was able to find the gaps well and made some tasty shots in his century-making efforts.
“71st hundred”, the entire nation was waiting.
All the time you’ve spent playing cricket I’m sure this milestone was just around the corner.I believe that today’s game was special as we wanted to finish this tournament on a positive note.
We observed many of aspects in your game.You were very good at identifying gaps and played some beautiful shots and focused on the correct bowlers.” stated Sharma in the video that was posted on BCCI.tv.
Kohli announced that his month-long absence from cricket prior to the Asia Cup was the first time in his 13-14 years of professional career that he has not picked an cricket bat.
“Since my time to made it back to the team after the break.after 13-14 years and for the first time in my life, I didn’t even play with the bat.Many of things were put into perspective,” said Kohli, noting that the support from the team played an important part in his resurgence.
“The support you received from your people (team) Management, team.the message was clear and concise that’muhje Khelne Do’ (let me play ).let me bat.I believe that this was very important to me because of the space you (teammates) provided me, made me feel very comfortable in the entire process.When I returned (from the break) I was very excited about how I could be a part of the team,” stated Kohli.
Kolhi stated that he was forced to play the same innings he was playing against Afghanistan in order to further contribute to the cause of the team.
The 33-year-old hit unbeaten 122 from 61 balls against Afghanistan on Thursday.
“I was forced to perform this kind of an innings since the (T20) World Cup is ahead of us.If I perform well, I will be more productive for the team.3-4 days ago Rahul (Dravid) Bhai talked to me about bat first, and on how to best utilize the middle-overs stage.How can I increase my strike rate.My sole goal was to do all the things I wanted to improve from the perspective of the team, I’ll come and play in the Asia Cup,” added Kohli.
Kohli declared that he was delighted, in fact shocked, after scoring his first T20I ton in the first innings following the break that was enforced.
“I didn’t really think I would achieve (it).I was in fact, as many of the players.in the sense that I could score 100 points in this style of the game for the first time in so long.But I was very pleasantly surprised, and I’m happy and honored today,” added Kohli.
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