SA changed my mindset: Kohli
First Published : 26 Jan 2012, 22:05
Last Modified : 26 Jan 2012, 16:35
Adelaide, Jan 26: Virat Kohli finally broke the century jinx plaguing the Indian team in Australia by scoring a sublime 116 on Day 3 of the fourth Test in Adelaide. The aggressive right-hander scored his maiden Test ton characterised by determination and aggression. But Kohli’s century was the only bright spot in an otherwise disappointing batting performance as the visitors were dismissed for 272.
The talented 23-year-old shared his thoughts on what it meant to score his maiden Test century in Australia in a brief interview at the end of Day 3.
Excerpts:
On scoring his maiden Test century
I still sort of can’t believe that I got a Test hundred today. At Perth I was stranded at the other end, losing three wickets in five balls, and today also we lost two in two. I was very disappointed at that point of time. I went after Ryan Harris the next over thinking I had to get runs off that over. It’s a very special feeling for me, especially since it’s away from India.
On batting with Ishant Sharma while approaching his 100
[Ishant] was pretty confident. When he came out, he said, ‘Don’t worry, I am going to bat for you.’ And I was pretty relaxed after that. If the other guy tells you I am going to play with you then you are pretty relaxed. He was pretty courageous in coming out there and blocking those balls.
On dedicating his century to his father
I looked up and I thanked him and dedicated it to him again. I always do it when I reach any milestone. It was a real special innings for me – my first Test hundred. As I said, I wanted to make a mark in Test cricket and hopefully this is the beginning for me.
On what his maiden Test century means to him
[It means a lot] especially to a young player who is trying to make a mark in a particular format. To be able to play an innings under pressure away from India, to be able to get a hundred, always satisfies you. I’ve always maintained that the series I played in South Africa, my mindset totally changed after that. I started feeling more confident about myself, thinking that I had to take the team through and that I was responsible for putting the team in a good position. I can take a lot of confidence from this innings and hopefully convert more starts into big scores.
