Kohli confident of having regained his form
India batsman Virat Kohli did not have the best tour to England, to put it mildly, but feels he is now back on track after scoring a half century in the ODI series against the West Indies.
The superstar batsman had a dismal Test series in England, and while he ended the trip with a half ton in the T20, he was still pleased to have a break during the Champions League T20.
He thinks that time did him good, as he had time to work on his technique outside off stump, and came back to score a 66 in the second ODI against the West Indies to help his side level the series.
Kohli said ahead of the fourth ODI: “Having that break in between was really good. I worked hard on the areas I needed to work on. Last two games I went in with a clear head.
“For me it doesn’t matter if I get out playing the same shot again and again, at least I am feeling clear and confident in the mind. I just needed that one innings and that came in the last game.”
There was panic all around when Kohli wasn’t firing, with all and sundry weighing in, but Kohli was amused by the criticism, saying people suddenly forgot his previous efforts, and his substantial averages.
He said of his critics: “It is funny. The moment I don’t score runs in two three innings, people tell me you are due for a big score. They totally forget the fact that for the last four-five years I have been consistent in all formats.
“And I am not trying to show off or something, that’s my nature. That’s how I like to play my cricket (to keep scoring). People need to respect that we are humans and not machines.
“You will have a bad patch eventually and in those times you get to know the people who are ready to support you and people who are ready to rip you apart. I have learnt a lot, I have seen people change completely, 360 degrees, and that’s not surprising actually.
“I had only heard about it and now I have seen it myself. In a way it is a pleasant thing. I feel much more stronger and If I feel my cricket is going to improve further.”