Kohli not willing to show restraint just because he is captain

Port of Spain (3 MIN READ): India skipper Virat Kohli has been making headlines ever since his debut in international cricket. Counted among the modern-day greats, Kohli has broken almost every possible record which is there is the game of cricket and has been setting new benchmarks with each passing day.

On Sunday, Kohli brought up his 42nd ODI hundred and in the process went past former skipper Sourav Ganguly’s tally of 11,363 runs in the list of leading run-getters in ODI cricket.

The 30-year-old has scored 11,406 runs at 59.91 in 238 matches and is currently at the eighth spot in the list topped by legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar who compiled 18,426 runs in 463 matches.

Speaking to leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal on ‘Chahal TV’ for BCCI.TV, Kohli revealed that at the moment, he is enjoying his life to the fullest and is in a very happy space.

In the ongoing West Indies tour, Kohli has been grooving to the Caribbean tunes on a number of occasions. When asked about the same, the Indian skipper said: “I am enjoying myself on the cricket field. I don’t let myself get into a typical mould where I have to restrain myself as I am the captain of the team. We have been blessed to represent India and thus it’s important to enjoy the life. We should dance whenever there is music played and enjoy with the opposition players as well. Right now, I am in a very happy space in my life and that’s why I start dancing whenever I get the opportunity.”

Kohli also revealed how he was tired when he had reached 65 during his 120-run knock against the West Indies in second ODI which India won by 59 runs (DLS method) at the Queen’s Park Oval.

“It is always our target that one of our top three gets a big score. Rohit has been doing that consistently for us. I have also chipped in whenever I have got an opportunity,” said Kohli.

“Unfortunately, both Rohit and Shikhar failed today. So, it was important for me to stay at the wicket for a long time and take the score somewhere near 270-280.

“Honestly, I was too tired by the time I reached 60-65. But then the situation was such that I had to play without taking too much of a risk and build a partnership. As a cricketer, we always learn that whenever we are thinking about the team, we get the enthusiasm and the energy to play long.”

“The conditions were quite challenging because it rained in the middle and then it got more humid,” he added.

When asked about his motivation to play consistently for the team, whether while batting or fielding, the Indian skipper said, “My mindset is quite simple. I want to contribute to the team in whichever way possible. Whether it’s a catch or a run-out, I want to give my 100 per cent.

“I think every player should have a disciplined lifestyle so that he can give his 100 per cent on the field. If you are not giving your 100 per cent, I don’t think you are doing justice to the team,” he added.

 Published on: Aug 12, 2019 at 14:16 IST

IANS