I am answerable to nobody: Kohli BCCI accuses Smith, then changes its mind
The India skipper says belief in his own abilities has helped him overcome doubters and haters
NEW DELHI: You just can’t ignore Virat Kohli. His bat speaks and that gives him the confidence to take on the world. Virat Kohli is quite a speaker, just like his cover drives, always confident and in complete control.
One got another glace of the fiery Indian cricket captain after Kohli was awarded the Polly Umrigar Trophy in Bangalore on Wednesday night for being India’s best international cricketer.
Virat Kohli may not be in great form in the current India versus Australia Test series, but he had grabbed the headlines with his trademark aggression and banter with the Australian captain Steve Smith. The Decision Review System controversy on Day 4 of the Bangalore Test on March 7 won Kohli both friends and haters.
In the current India vs Australia series, Virat Kohli’s average after four innings is a poor 10.00, his worst ever. Kohli has scored 0,13,12,15 in the series so far. It was the second time when he made less than 20 in four or more successive innings. His scores were 19,14 not out,19,7,6 against England in 2012-13.
But Virat Kohli’s desire to win the world is clear. His intensity on the field may not please the critics, but that’s the way Virat Kohli plays his game and he will make no bones about it.
“I always wanted to be one of the top players in the world for sure. So I understood what it would take for me to maintain my form in all three formats. It is very important in transition phase to be available in all three formats and take the country forward,” Kohli said.
Virat Kohli also took a dig at his detractors and said he always believed in his abilities although there were many doubters around him.
“All along in my career, there were many people who had doubted the way I have gone about my game. Even now there are doubters and haters all around, but one thing is for sure that I have always believed in myself,” he said.
“I always believed in my heart that if I work 120 per cent everyday in my life I am answerable to no one.” said Kohli, who became the first Indian cricketer to receive the Polly Umrigar award for the third time.
HAILING TEAMMATES Hailing his teammates for their support and contribution in helping India reach the pinnacle of Test cricket, Kohli said the last 12 months have been a breakthrough year in his career.
“It is been quite unbelievable in the last 10 to 12 months. As cricketers you always have a breakthrough year for everyone. Starting late 2015 to the end of 2016, probably I could term is as the breakthrough year in my career.
“All the hard work, all the training on a daily basis, all the sacrifices, came together nicely. It could not have been possible without the help of the teammates throughout,” he said.
“At times you don’t do well but when the champion players in your side step up and everyone delivers what when you start producing results.” Meanwhile, Australia captain Steve Smith and Virat Kohli have escaped any charges after a controversial Decision Review System (DRS) incident in this week’s Bangalore Test, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Wednesday.
Following India’s 75-run win in the second Test, Kohli accused Smith of ‘crossing the line’ and said the Australians repeatedly looked towards their dressing room for assistance over whether to ask for a review of the umpire’s decision using DRS. Players are not allowed to seek direction on reviews apart from conferring with the non-striker.
Teams cannot make more than two unsuccessful review requests per
80 overs. NEW DELHI: Defusing the tension over the Decision Review System, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has withdrawn the complaint filed against Australia captain Steve Smith with the International Cricket Council.
The compromise was reached after a meeting between the CEOs of the two Boards, BCCI’s Rahul Johri and CA’s Mr James Sutherland at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai on Thursday.
In a joint press statement, by the BCCI and CA, they said: “The BCCI and CA have resolved to restore focus on the ongoing series amidst the increased attention towards issues which have ema- nated during the course of the 2nd Test match in Bangalore.”
“Subsequently, BCCI will withdraw the complaint filed with ICC with an expectation that the two captains will meet prior to the Ranchi Test and commit to lead their teams by example and play the rest of the series, in the right spirit, demonstrating that the players from both teams are true ambassadors for their respective countries.
Johri and Sutherland dismatters cussed the at length and agreed the importance of bringfocus ing back the to the game and the much anticipated next Test match in Ranchi.
Sutherland said: “A series between India and Australia is bound to generate considerable excitement for fans in both the countries. On the field the two teams are fierce competitors who represent their countries with pride. As we have seen this week in Bangalore, with so much at stake, tensions can bubble over. We are half way through what has already been a riveting series - and there is still much to look forward to. In discussing the relevant issues in depth, we have agreed that it is in the best interests of the game to put these differences aside and clear the way for the focus to be on the cricket, and the remaining matches of the series.
Johri said: “We believe that the focus of the teams and the joy they provide to the fans, should not be diluted and it is imperative to ensure that the rest of the series, which promises a great cricketing contest, not be compromised.”
The Board had earlier lodged a complaint despite the ICC issuing a statement which made it clear that no further action will be taken against either India skipper Virat Kohli or Smith.
JOHRI AND SUTHERLAND AGREED THE IMPORTANCE OF BRINGING BACK THE FOCUS TO THE GAME AND THE NEXT TEST MATCH IN RANCHI