Dubai 5th September : Talismanic India batter Virat Kohli has revealed that he is content, excited and enjoying playing cricket for the first time in Asia Cup 2022 while saying that taking a break isn’t always a bad thing at all times.In his return to competitive cricket action following an absence of more than a month and half, Kohli has scored two fifty-five in two days with 60 runs off just 44 balls in the match against Pakistan in Super Four match on Sunday.
Along with an unremarkable 35 in the match against Pakistan earlier in Group A, on the day of the 100th T20I, Kohli is currently the second-highest scorer in this tournament with the score of 154 runs in three innings, averaging 77, and at an average strike rate of 126.22.
“I did not think I could spend for a month without hitting my bat.However, the circumstances changed and I was forced to stop for a while.More physically than mentally.You realize the next time you play cricket after about a month of why you first started playing the game.
This (realisation) disappears sometimes when people stare at you, and cheer for you at the field, at these times , you might forget that realization,” said Kohli in the after-match press conference following the match.
On the day of India’s opening game of the tournament, Kohli had admitted to fake his intensity and not even touching the bat for one month during his time away from playing.”That determination and passion in the sport, that enthusiasm fades away.It was crucial to re-discover this for me.When I’m satisfied in my own space I’m aware of what I can contribute to the team.Being in a bad place is not beneficial for the team, nor for me personally.”
“I believe that nobody should shy away from this.If one is feeling depressed or down having a break isn’t an issue.I’m hoping that people take a step forward and take action to address the issues they are experiencing.Human beings are all alike, and everyone is able to feel this way.However, to acknowledge that and take care of it is crucial.”
“If you do not pay attention to it and don’t pay attention, you’ll get more frustrated.This is what I realized and I received lots of assistance.I’m satisfied, I’m enthusiastic and enjoying playing cricket once more and that was the most important factor to me.” said the right-hander.
In response to a question about whether his performances in Asia Cup 2022 would be enough to silence critics, Kohli referred to the joy and excitement he feels in the field as a crucial issue.”I’ve not paid any much attention to such matters (outside criticism) honestly.I’ve been playing for 14 years and it’s not by chance.My role is to put in the effort to improve my game, which is something I’m always eager to accomplish.Looking to improve my performance as a player for my team.This is something I’m determined to keep doing.”
“Everyone’s working their jobs eventually.Our task is to enjoy the game, put in the effort and give 100 percent, and I’ve stated that in the past that when I’m doing this and the team believes in that the outcome in the changing room is all that is important to us and to me personally.People have their own opinions and that’s perfectly acceptable, but it doesn’t affect my personal happiness.”
“I’ve spent some time away to put things in perspective, and it’s allowed me to relax knowing that this isn’t the end-all-be-all of life.I have to have fun playing.I don’t have to put myself under such a lot of expectations that I’m unable express myself.That’s not why I started playing this game.”
“I was able to bring that same excitement when I first came here, the atmosphere was extremely friendly.The friendship with the players is incredible.The atmosphere within the team is fantastic, and I’m really enjoying playing and feel at ease with the way I’m playing.”
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