Test hundred gave me confidence: Virat
First Published : 22 Jul 2012, 00:46
Last Modified : 22 Jul 2012, 00:46
Hambantota, Jul 21: Virat Kohli has been living a dream. He’s India’s most prolific run-getter in ODIs this year, has been elevated to Team India’s vice-captaincy and he sits pretty at No.3 on ICC’s rankings for ODI batsmen. The highest peak was when he scored his first Test century, on the Australian tour that left the stalwarts of Indian batting struggling for runs.
Someone who appreciates the value of good form at the international level and wants to make the most of it, Virat has started the new season with yet another match-winning performance – his 12th ODI century. With this 106-run knock, Virat became the fastest to reach 12 ODI tons and also equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s record of five consecutive fifty-plus scores in ODIs.
On receiving his man-of-the-match award, a beaming yet mature Virat spoke of how he yearns to maintain this consistency throughout the season.
Excerpts:
You’ve been enjoying an extended purple patch.
God’s been kind. I’ve been working hard and things have come off really well for me. As I said before the start of this season, I hope I can maintain the consistency in this season as well.
You seem to respect your form and look to make the most of it.
This is what matters the most – performing for my country is the biggest thing for me. I try to prepare the best I can before a game and give my best out there for the team during the match.
How much confidence did the Test hundred in Australia give you?
Doing well in Test matches in Australia against a strong opponent really boosted my confidence. From there on I became even surer and more confident of my game. I had always heard from my seniors that the biggest satisfaction you can get is by scoring a Test century. On that day I experienced it.
