Kohli says winning matches, rather than personal records, has always been his priority in international cricket….reports India Daily News Desk
Virat Kohli has said chasing personal records cannot sustain a long international career, insisting his priority throughout his career has been helping India win matches in difficult situations.
Kohli made the comments after producing an unbeaten 139 against the West Indies in the first ODI at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The century was his 55th in the format and saw him cross the 15,000-run mark in men’s ODIs. He became only the second player in history to reach the milestone, following legendary India batter Sachin Tendulkar.
While acknowledging the significance of the achievement, Kohli said numbers had never been the driving force behind his approach to international cricket.
“Of course, I mean, if you look at it from a numbers perspective, it’s a big number. But the goal is simple – to try and make the team win from difficult situations, and different situations,” Kohli said in a video posted on the BCCI’s social media accounts.
“You can’t play for that long for numbers because you will compromise on the main goal.”
– Virat Kohli
“That’s what I’ve tried to do over the years. You can only play for that long if you’re looking to make the team win. You can’t play for that long for numbers because in need to get numbers, you will compromise on the main goal and you can’t play for long in that manner.”
Kohli added that reaching such a milestone while contributing to another victory made the occasion particularly special.
“So I’m lucky to have been in this position for so long. Of course, a big number like that to take it off along the way to another win is quite special,” he said.
Kohli also spoke about his relationship with India captain Shubman Gill, who scored 110 in the same match.
The senior batter said the pair shared a relaxed and positive relationship, with their camaraderie helping create a lighter atmosphere within the team.
“I’ve known him since the time he came into the team. I’ve always shared like a very free flowing and a very fun filled camaraderie with him,” Kohli said.
With Gill now in a leadership role and Kohli occupying the position of senior player, the former captain believes their approach can influence the wider squad.
“Now he’s in a leadership position. I’ve been in that position for a long time and now I’m a senior player. So, when senior players or the leaders in the team are smiling, laughing, keeping the environment light, all the other players feel like, yes, there’s no problem.”
Kohli said maintaining that relaxed atmosphere could help players handle pressure while remaining professional on the field.
“Like, even if it’s a big pressure game, everyone’s laughing. So it just relaxes all the other guys because we are not taking pressure. We are showing that it’s fine. We can smile and have a good laugh, but be professional on the field,” he said.
He also explained why batting partnerships with Gill require little communication between the wickets.
“When you bat with a player like that, we don’t talk much about the match – we talk about the other and different things because he knows what to do and I know what to do,” Kohli said.
He added that their more detailed discussions often take place while fielding, when Gill is able to exchange ideas with teammates and manage the responsibilities of captaincy.
Kohli praised Gill’s understanding of the game and said there was a reason he had been entrusted with the leadership role.
“He has the right perspective to look at the game in a way that he can make the team win,” Kohli said.
Gill, meanwhile, said it was a special experience to share the crease with a player he had grown up idolising as Kohli reached the 15,000-run milestone.
“Very happy – growing up, I never thought I’ll be alongside Virat bhai when he completes his 15,000 runs in ODIs,” Gill said.
“From watching him and idolising him, seeing what makes him so special and then being on the crease with him and sharing those moments, I think the journey has been great so far and hopefully it’s going to be even better memories that we share.”
Gill also praised Kohli’s current approach to batting, saying his confidence and enjoyment were evident both on and off the field.
