Kohli, a role model for world cricket
SHINING EXAMPLE From his batting to fitness and competitiveness, Virat has impressed players beyond his squad
“Whe n I am bowling, he comes and asks ‘what is your field’, and that is what bowlers want. He gives bowlers freedom.
Virat bhai has given me tremendous support through the
Tests and ODI series, and now too. I am very happy with this kind of team unity and leader.”
Virat Kohli wants India to overtake the likes of Australia and South Africa and become the best fielding side.
“He is a leader, like I said, so he leads from the front even when fielding. Every part of the field, wherever he is fielding, it is a motivation seeing him. What we see on the field from him, we try to improve, even if by one percent of what we are doing.
“It is the same for training and in the nets, or off the field. I am very happy he talks to younger boys what he wants from them and what we need.”
When you are the best batsman in the side, it is easy to get anxious leaving the job for others to finish.
But as the best at chasing a target, he has eased the pressure on the other batsmen.
It is not just the younger lot. MS Dhoni, under pressure with focus on his diminishing skills as a finisher, found second wind in Sri Lanka.
Starting with his rescue act in the second ODI at Pallekele, Dhoni was unbeaten in five matches on the trot (45*, 67*, 49*, 1*, 1*). Questions about his diminishing skills as a finisher have been put on hold at least for now.
Australia face India in another 10 days, and will ask some tough questions.
Still, it will take plenty to shake the confidence of this Kohli team.
When I am bowling, he (Virat Kohli) comes and asks ‘what is your field’, and that is what bowlers want. He gives bowlers freedom.