KL Rahul when asked whether Virat Kohli, who scored his maiden T20I century during the Asia Cup match against Afghanistan, should continue to bat as an opener in the World Cup along with Rohit Sharma.
With Rohit Shama ruled out of the inevitable match against Afghanistan, Kohli opened the batting with Rahul.
The question was full because if Kohli opens the batting, it would mean that Rahul, whose T20 batting approach is already in question, will have to sit out.
“So am I myself sitting? (So should I sit outside?),” a puzzled Rahul, apparently not in the slightest, retorted.
The Indian vice-captain firmly believes that Kohli is not dependent on the opening slot to score big scores.
“If you play 2-3 innings you get confidence, really happy that he can play like this. You all know Virat Kohli, you’ve been watching him for so many years, it’s not like he Will score a century only if he opens batting, if he bats at No. 3, he can also score a century. It is all about the roles and what is the role of a certain player.”
But no one can deny how a team gets a boost when their best batsman scores runs.
“Obviously, Virat getting runs is a huge bonus for the team, and the way he played against Afghanistan, I know he is very happy.
The stand-in captain said, “He has been working on his game and he has worked beautifully today. As a team, it is important for every player to find time in between.”
For Rahul, even during the period of lethargy in the last three years, there was no change in Kohli’s work ethic or mindset.
“Obviously, the celebration by Virat was more of a relief. There has been no change in his mindset, approach and work ethic in the last 2-3 years. There has been no difference in the way he prepares for the game. .
He said, “He (Kohli) has always had this desire, I think we are also very obsessed with numbers, obsessed with those three digits and we think, if someone is scoring a century, then only he He is in form. His contribution has been phenomenal. Last 2-3 years,” said Rahul.
Rahul feels that the hallmark of Kohli has always been striving for perfection in the pursuit of excellence.
“As a player, whether you always want to be perfect or you want to challenge yourself to excel, he has always been that player. Even during this phase, he remains in the moment and has put on his game. Has worked. Learning for our entire group,” said Rahul.
While Kohli himself was pleasantly surprised that his much-awaited 71st century came in the shortest format, Rahul was not surprised at all.
“In that dressing room, none of us are surprised to see what he has done today. I am sure it will give him even more confidence, he will definitely cherish this century and it will create a huge confidence in the group as well. Will happen.” He added.
Originally published at
Pen 18
