SL series to be challenging: Kohli
First Published : 21 Jul 2012, 15:27
Last Modified : 21 Jul 2012, 15:27
Hambantota, July 21: Team India are refreshed and rejuvenated after a month and a half break. They’re now in Sri Lanka, playing their first ODI against the hosts in Hambantota. India’s vice-captain Virat Kohli looked fit and raring as ever as he spoke about the team’s preparation ahead of the series and about his own game.
Excerpts:
How’s the team coming together after the break?
The break has worked out very well for us. We didn’t have good tours to Australia and England and needed the break after that. We’re all fresh for the new season and raring to go.
Is there any difference in the way you prepare for a series now as compared to when you came into the team?
I still prepare in the same way as I did earlier but I apply myself more out there in the middle. I have more responsibility on me now, batting on No.3 most of the time and also being the vice-captain. I still work hard in every practice session and hit the same number of balls. Just that the application has improved.
Do you see yourself finishing the game the moment you walk in to bat?
No, I think that way you put yourself under a lot of pressure. I just see how the wicket is like and how bowlers are bowling; assess the conditions and then plan my innings. I don’t think about my batting when I’m waiting to get in. Only once I go in, all the planning begins.
How challenging is playing Sri Lanka in their own backyard?
It is going to be a challenging series for us, for sure. They know their conditions well and are in good form.
