Dubai 9 Sep : Former India captain Virat Kohli believes KL Rahul must play a major role if India is to be successful in the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in the coming months, stating that it is crucial for the opener to be in an “good space” before the big event.Kohli who was moved higher in the order and began the bat with substitute skipper KL Rahul in the match against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup Super Four game on Thursday, claimed that the opener has some “clean shots” and gives him a solid foundation on top.
Rahul scored an unbeaten 41-ball 62 in the win of 101 runs against Afghanistan with an average strike rate of 151.
“I believe we should not overlook the significance of his (KL Rahul’s) knock as we all know how crucial it is to KL to be in an ideal position ahead of the (T20) World Cup.We all know the things he can accomplish in this type of format.He is very precise and solid shots.
If he is batting effectively in T20 cricket, our team appears to be even stronger,” opined Kohli, who scored an unbeaten century Thursday on BCCI.tv.
Kohli believed that the team, even though they didn’t make it to the Asia Cup final looked a positive unit heading into the T20 World Cup.
“We are confident that we’re as a group.I’m sure that great things will occur in the near future.”
India captain in all formats Rohit Sharma said that with a couple of difficult home series of limited-overs to be played against Australia and South Africa, it would provide India the best preparation to play in the World Cup.
In reference to the knowledge he as well as Rohit Sharma have brought to the team, Kohli stated that playing good in the World Cup will come down to being in the “right mindset of mind” and “being in that space”.
“As I said, both you (Rohit) along with me have played for so long.It’s all about getting in the right state of mind and remaining in the space, and this is what is most important.Therefore, what we’re creating in the changing room is special and sacred to everyone of us.
“We are aware of how comfortable we feel as an entire team in the changing room.our team, for us, the two upcoming games against best teams (Australia and South Africa) is a chance to develop these good habits and to be consistent as a team.
under stress, make smart decisions, and then go to the World Cup knowing ‘yes we can compete against all of these bowlers even if the conditions may be different,” Kohli said.Kohli.
“It may be a little harder, but we’re traveling earlier, so I consider the coming couple of months as an excellent stage where we will play top teams.when we travel to Australia and we will have some preparation time.
I am sure we’ll be completely prepared for the opening game of the World Cup,” said Kohli.
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