‘To stay No 1 in Tests is priority’
Virat Kohli, who is threatening Tendulkar’s records, feels billions of home fans can help revive Test cricket
NEW DELHI : Virat Kohli has been unstoppable in accumulating runs in one-dayers. He smashed his 39th century in the second ODI against Australia in Adelaide, masterfully guiding India’s chase with MS Dhoni giving the finishing touches. It has again led the cricketing world to compare him with Sachin Tendulkar and how soon he will surpass the master blaster’s record of 49 ODI centuries that once looked insurmountable.
When it comes to ODI cricket, Kohli has shifted gears big time. In the last two years, Kohli averages 94.06 in ODI chases. But that’s not where his long-term priorities lie.
Australian coach Justin Langer has said Kohli is having the same impact like Tendulkar had on the game.
But while the cricketing world is busy putting Kohli in the same pedestal as the legend, the man himself is rather focused on giving impetus to Test cricket.
MILESTONE WIN
After leading India to a historic Test series win in Australia, the captain of the World’s No.1 Test side spoke lavishly about Test cricket and how this Indian team can give it maximum importance.
Kohli wants to see India dominate in Tests and feels billions of Indian fans will then ensure Tests remain alive and kicking.
“I wouldn’t say goal but I would rather speak of a vision, which is for India to be a superpower in Test cricket or a very, very strong side in Test cricket in the years to come.
“I think if Indian cricket respects Test cricket, and Indian players respect Test cricket, then Test cricket will stay at the top because of the fan base that we have all over the world,” Kohli said in an interview to Star Sports.
THE HARD YARDS
He said youngsters focusing too much on shorter formats can have a negative influence as far as Test cricket is concerned.
“If we focus too much on shorter formats -- yes, they’re important -- but if we solely focus (on limited overs matches), then I think it’s a mental problem with the cricketers coming up.”
“As long as you’re willing to wake up every morning for five days and do the hard yards and go do the dirty work -- if you’re willing to bat for two hours and not score a run for the team -- I think that is what people should prepare (for),” said Kohli, who has compiled 25 centuries in 77 Tests.
Kohli feels if the present generation gives Test cricket the respect it deserves, the coming generation will maintain that vision.
“That (vision) will require the team to lay out a certain things that needs to be done and for the next lot to keep following. So (when) the next lot that comes in, they have to maintain that vision and then the people coming in will follow.”
“I hope that continues and I will try my level best for as long as I can to keep that culture going.”
CREDIT TO SHASTRI
Since he has taken over the captaincy, Kohli has maintained how winning a Test series abroad will be his top priority.
He copped criticism for losing the series in South Africa and England but learnt from the mistakes and achieved the breakthrough in Australia where he began his captaincy career in 2014-15 after Dhoni announced retirement.
Kohli gave a lot of credit to coach Ravi Shastri in easing him into the leadership role.
“Ever since 2014, I think he’s (Shastri) one person who’s given me honest feedback whenever things required to be altered.
“I remember we sat down (last year). I’d scored a Test century and a fifty in the same game in England, so he called me and he said, as far as batting is concerned, I’m not going to discuss anything with you now because you’ve done some something which I am proud of and everyone is proud of.
“But as a captain, I need to start thinking how to get the best out of this team and how to tactically be spot on. And that really hit me because I felt like, you know, there’s so much more to captaincy than you sometimes think,” Kohli said.
As long as you’re willing to wake up every morning for five days and do the hard yards and dirty work... that’s what people should prepare for. On mindset for playing Tests
That (vision) will require the team to lay out certain things that needs to be done and for the next lot to keep following. On the road ahead
Ever since 2014, I think he is one person who’s given me honest feedback whenever things have required to be altered. On coach Ravi Shastri backing him as captain