Kohli slams BCCI, says no time to prepare for SA tour

NAGPUR: Skipper Virat Kohli has expressed unhappiness over the cramped schedule of the India team which leaves them with no time to acclimatise before the tough tour of South Africa starting in January.

Emphasising on the need to assess (the schedule) in future, Kohli admitted the India team management specially requested seamer-friendly wickets for the Sri Lanka series as it was the only option to prepare for South Africa.

MONTH OFF ‘IDEAL’

“Yes (we requested pacefriendly wickets), because unfortunately we get only two days before we fly to South Africa after this series gets over. So, we have no choice but be in a game situation and think of what’s coming ahead for us.

“Had we got a month off ideally, we would have done a proper preparation in a camp sort of scenario. But we have to sort of make do with what we have,” said Kohli.

The Sri Lanka series ends on December 24 and India play their first Test against South Africa on January 5.

“As usual cramped for time, which I think we need to assess in future as well because we very easily assess the team when we go abroad but don’t look at how many days we have got to prepare before we go to a particular place to play.

“Everyone starts judging players when results come after Test matches. It should be a fair (deal) where we get to prepare the way we want to and then we are entitled to be criticised. So we thought this is an opportunity for us to challenge ourselves, put us in a situation…”

Many former players had pinned blame on the lack preparation after India’s dismal 4-0 loss in England in 2011. India have been playing non-stop cricket since the IPL in AprilMay, followed by the Champions Trophy, tours of the West Indies and Sri Lanka and three successive home series against Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

But India’s real test overseas begins next year with tours of South Africa, England and Australia.

Kohli obviously is aware of the repercussions at home if they don’t perform well there.

“As I said, we want to embrace being in difficult conditions. I am not saying everyone will go out and perform immediately but if we can feel comfortable about it after one or two or three innings, someone will come good. Once you come good, you build on that confidence. It’s the same for the bowlers. Yes, we are looking at this as an opportunity,” the India skipper stated.

Acting BCCI president CK Khanna emphasised on the need to take Kohli’s views seriously. “Virat is captain and his view on cricketing matters should be taken with utmost seriousness. We are proud how the team is performing but if players are feeling fatigued, we need to have a broader view on the issue,” Khanna later told PTI.

› Had we got a month off ideally, we would have done a proper preparation in a camp sort of scenario. But we have to sort of make do with what we have. VIRAT KOHLI, On preparation for the South Africa series