Massive audience won’t faze Kohli
VIRAT KOHLI’S knack of dealing with the expectations of 600 million cricket-crazy India supporters will be put to the test as never before in today’s Champions Trophy final against Pakistan.
A global broadcast audience of more than halfa-billion is being projected for Sunday’s showdown between two of the sport’s fiercest rivals.
Kohli will be cast centrestage as India captain in front of a mere 24,500 sellout crowd at The Oval, and his primary task will be to keep his composure at the crease and in the field as the overwhelming favourites bid to retain their title.
“You can’t think of those things when you step on to the field,” said Kohli.
“I know there are expectations, I know there are people that expect the team and me to do well every time we play. But I understand as a player and a person that’s not possible.”
Instead, his personal method is to visualise success and have faith in his and his team’s ability, but not to believe in miracles.
“You have to be close to reality,” said Kohli. “This is a part of being an Indian cricketer, you have to find a way to deal with it.
“You can’t ignore it. You have to maintain a balance and then focus on what you need to do on the field.
“I think I’ve been able to strike a good balance until now and I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
He nonetheless has great respect for opponents who fell well short in their 124run Group B defeat against India two weeks ago, but will arrive with a point to prove on the biggest stage.
“On their day they can beat any side in the world,” said Kohli.
“That’s the kind of players they have, we’re quite aware of that.
“But, at the same time, neither are we too intimidated nor are we too arrogant about what we are doing.”
SURREY will face Nottinghamshire in the final of the Royal London One-Day Cup after they overcame Worcestershire by 153 runs in yesterday’s semi-final.
Jason Roy top-scored with 92 as Surrey amassed 363 for seven in their 50 overs before bowling out Worcestershire for 210 at New Road.