Kotla knock was what I needed to return to form: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli

Referring to the half-century in the second of the five-match One Day International (ODI) series against West Indies, at Delhi, as the one innings that he needed to return to form, Indian batsman Virat Kohli has said that the lean patch will help him become a much better cricketer.

Speaking to the reporters ahead of the fourth ODI between the two teams, on October 17 at Dharamsala, Kohli said: “Having that break in between was really good. I worked hard on the areas I needed to work on. Last two games I went in with a clear head. For me it doesn’t matter if I get out playing the same shot again and again, at least I am feeling clear and confident in the mind. I just needed that one innings and that came in the last game.”

Dismisses question marks over technique

In his last 9 ODIs, the 25-year-old has managed to score only 171 runs. In Tests, the results have been even worse: 134 runs in 10 innings, all coming against England in England. More than the returns, it was the manner of his dismissals that led to experts questioning his technique against swing bowling.

When questioned about it, Kohli said: “It is funny. The moment I don’t score runs in two three innings, people tell me you are due for a big score. They totally forget the fact that for the last four-five years I have been consistent in all formats. And I am not trying to show off or something, that’s my nature. That’s how I like to play my cricket (to keep scoring). People need to respect that we are humans and not machines.

“You will have a bad patch eventually and in those times you get to know the people who are ready to support you and people who are ready to rip you apart. I have learnt a lot, I have seen people change completely, 360 degrees, and that’s not surprising actually.”

He concluded by saying, “I had only heard about it and now I have seen it myself. In a way it is a pleasant thing. I feel much more stronger and If I feel my cricket is going to improve further.”