Kohli desperate to prove point in England

LONDON: India captain Virat Kohli admitted Thursday that he needs to prove his superstar status to English crowds at the Champions Trophy after his powers deserted him on his last visit to the country.

Kohli has a staggering average of over 90 in one-day cricket in the last 12 months and is fourth on the list for most centuries in the 50over format with 27.

But the 28-year-old struggled in England three years ago, averaging under 20 across five Test matches.

"If you talk about the longer format of the game then I did not do well here three years ago," said Kohli.

"I was not able to contribute to the team and I want to succeed, although not to prove a point. It motivates me further to come back and do better.

"For me it is a game of cricket. From then to now, I have shown I am strong mentally. England brings a lot for challenges for a batsmen and I want to overcome them personally for my satisfaction at the end of my career. From that point of view, it is exciting for me."

Kohli's India won the last edition of the Champions Trophy, also played in England, in 2013, defeating the hosts by just five runs in a final reduced to 20 overs a side due to rain.

Kohli played a key role, ending the truncated game with a top score of 43.

The 2017 eight-nation Champions Trophy gets under way on June 1 and runs until June 18.

India are in the same group as bitter rivals Pakistan, against whom they open their campaign at Edgbaston on June 4, Sri Lanka and South Africa. - AFP