Iam 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
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 th breakthrough year in m career.
“All the hard work, all the training on a dail 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 Vira Kohli have escaped any charges after a controversial Decision Review System (DRS) incident in this week’s Bangalore Test, the International Cricket Counci (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 looke towards their dressin room for assistance over whether to ask for a review of the umpire’s decision using DRS. Players are no allowed to seek direction on reviews apart from conferring with the non-striker.
Teams cannot make more than two unsuccessfu review requests pe
80 overs.
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 Suterland at the BCCI eadquarters in Mumbai on Thursday.
In a joint press statement, by the CCI and CA, they said: “The BCCI and CA have resolved o restore ocus on the ongoing series amidst he increased attention towards ssues which ave 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 considerabl excitement for fans in both th countries. On the field the tw teams are fierce competitors wh represent their countries wit pride. As we have seen this wee in Bangalore, with so much a stake, tensions can bubble over We are half way through wha has already been a riveting serie - and there is still much to loo forward to. In discussing the rele vant issues in depth, we hav agreed that it is in the best inter ests of the game to put these di ferences aside and clear the wa for the focus to be on the cricke and the remaining matches of th series.
Johri said: “We believe that th focus of the teams and the joy the provide to the fans, should not b diluted and it is imperative t ensure that the rest of the serie which promises a great cricke ing contest, not be compro mised.”
The Board had earlier lodged complaint despite the ICC issuin a statement which made it clea that no further action will b taken against either India skip per 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