ICC World Cup 2019 | It is a real honour to be part of such an amazing team, claims Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli has stated that he is pleased with the performances India have put in so far as the proud captain expressed his joy on being part of such a hard-working team. He further discussed the team’s mindset and strategies for the knockout rounds and heaped praise on Hardik Pandya's efforts.
Coming into the tournament as one of the favourites for the title, the Indian team has managed to live up to that reputation as they recorded their seventh win of the ongoing event against Sri Lanka. Their only loss has come to hosts and title-rivals England in a closely fought match in what has otherwise been an impeccable outing for the Men in Blue. Having come into the match on Saturday with a semifinal berth already confirmed, Virat Kohli’s men boosted their morale even further by clinching a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
“We wanted to play good cricket. To be honest, we didn't expect this kind of scoreline heading into the semis. But that's what consistent performances and hard work get you. Really proud and happy of our team. Most amazing team to be a part of, it is a real honour to play for India,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation, reported India Today.
After playing with a very changed lineup in the previous match against Bangladesh, Saturday saw yet another change as Ravindra Jadeja made his first appearance in the present edition replacing Mohammad Shami in the side. So far, 16 players have played for the team after Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay Shankar were ruled out of the tournament with injuries. However, the skipper believes they are more or less ready with their starting XI for the semifinal.
“We don't want to be one dimensional, I think the team that is more flexible on the day has more chances of executing what they want to. Obviously, the dimensions and the pitches we play on will matter a lot, so we need a good balance in the side and whatever combination provides us the balance we will go ahead with that and really feel confident if we are batting first or bowling first we are covered with all dimensions,” Kohli stated.
One of the standout performers so far, for India has been influential all-rounder Hardik Pandya who has not only been tremendous in all the departments of the game but also seems to instill that zeal and desire for victory in the team.
“He (Hardik) has been outstanding, especially after being under the pump in the first 3-4 games, but he has come back beautifully, so he's really motivated. It is amazing to have a cricketer like that who can bring in so much to the table,” Kohli heaped praise on him.
Not aware of the final standings at the time of the interview with Australia’s match in progress against South Africa, Kohli stated that they have come to England to win and will give their best regardless of who they face.
“It is just about turning up on the semifinal day and putting up a performance. The opposition has never mattered. The focus has to be within and we are confident of our skill sets. We just want to go out there in the semifinal and express our skills and strengths as a team. So regardless of who we play, we want to play good cricket. If we don't play well anyone can beat us and if we play well we can beat anyone,” he concluded.
Australia did end up losing which means India end the group stage on top and will face fourth placed New Zealand in the semifinals at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
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