ICC World Cup 2019 | It's a big compliment to be Jofra Archer’s target, says Virat Kohli

05/24/2019

Virat Kohli believes that Jofra Archer has an 'X Factor' which propelled his selection in the English side and added that it was great to learn that he was Archer’s main target. Kohli has also added that England is 'obsessed' with becoming the first team to post 500 runs in a single ODI innings.

After being selected in England’s 15-man squad, Archer stated that he wanted to get Kohli's wicket above all others and he has a psychological edge over the Indian skipper. Virat Kohli didn’t have the idea about the same, but upon learning that, he felt proud to be the English pacer’s main target.

"Did he say that?. That's news to me, news to Morgs as well. I don't really focus on these things. I take a lot of pride in performing well for the team and making a big impact on each game I play so, if Jofra said that, it's a big compliment as he himself is a world-class bowler,” Kohli said in the captains’ meet.

"The way he has come through at the IPL over the last couple of years, I have seen him and he's played all around the world and done well, so there's a good reason why he's been fast-tracked into playing for England in a tournament like the World Cup.

"I think he's going to be the X-factor because he has all the skillsets and he's very different from anyone else. He can generate a lot of pace which can be intimidating and you don't really expect that from his run-up. He's just a great athlete and I'm sure the England team will be delighted to have him and he will be exciting to watch at the World Cup. I personally will be watching his bowling because whatever I've seen of him he is really impressive."

England became the first ODI side in the history to put up 340-plus totals in four consecutive matches during their 4-0 series win over Pakistan, and with the sheer firepower that they have, they can easily go on to breach the unprecedented 500-run barrier. While adding that it was England, who could do it, Kohli, sitting next to Eoin Morgan during the press conference, added that the second half of the tournament wouldn’t be as easy as it would be during the first phase.

"They seem to be obsessed with getting to 500 before anyone else. They smash it from ball one and for the full 50 overs. It could be pretty high-scoring, but 260/270 is going to be as difficult to get as chasing 370, 380 in a World Cup,” Kohli said.

"I don't see too much high-scoring in the later half of the tournament. Some teams might get on a roll, but you'll see 250 defended as well as because of the kind of pressure that comes with it.

"When you get closer to the knockout phases, that is going to bring greater pressure and no-one is going to go gung-ho from ball one. Generally teams will find a way, but I see pressure playing a massive role."