Kohli: I look forward to tough challenges

India batsman Virat Kohli was the driving force behind his side's victory over Pakistan at the World Twenty20 on Saturday, and said afterwards that he enjoyed the pressure of the chase.

India only needed 119 runs to win, but after their loss to New Zealand in their opening match, they again found themselves under pressure at three down for 23 runs. Kohli stepped in to make 55 not out.

Kohli said on the BCCI website after the six-wicket win: "I was really disappointed after that loss. I went back to the room and thought about what needs to be done.

"Tonight, we were in a similar situation in this game. But such games and situations just improve you as a cricketer and I look forward to challenges like these.

"I told myself in the change room that I am going to back myself to play good cricketing shots," Kohli said. "I was confident that I needed to play with a straight bat so that the strike keeps rotating.

"I remain pretty calm. Luckily my heart rate was low when we lost three wickets, it could have shot up as it was a big game and a full stadium at Eden Gardens. I am just grateful I was able to do it.

"It is very important to assess the field and understand how much the ball is turning and gripping from the surface.

"Accordingly you pick out bowlers, where they are trying to bowl at you and try to get into the head of the bowler and make him bowl where you want him to bowl. That is the key. That is where intent counts."

Latest