Play the Pakistan tie like another match, says Kohli
Internet Desk: Prior to the Champions Trophy 2017, India skipper Virat Kohli emphasized the significance of senior players like Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh.
India will leave for England to participate in the Champions Trophy 2017 later today. Before that Kohli terms both Dhoni and Yuvraj as the strongest pillars of the Indian Team.
When asked about how he is going to manage two most accomplished cricketers in the side, Kohli said he just wants them to play on their terms.
“Given the amount of experience they have, I may not be the right person to explain you about how to using them. One thing I know for sure, and that’s if they are given enough freedom in the middle-order they will be able to perform well. They know how to build innings, steer the team from troubled waters.
Speaking of their form in the previous limited-overs’ series against England, Kohli said it heightened the morale of other cricketers in the dressing room.
“It was really good to see them playing freely and without burden in the last tournament and enjoy each other’s company. Team’s confidence grows manifolds when two of your senior players play that way.
“I believe, they (MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh) are strongest pillars of our team. They have been doing it for the us for quite some time and looking at them doing well in the previous tournament (against England) was such a treat.
Defending champions India will be opening their campaign against Pakistan at the Edgbaston, Birmingham on June 4 amidst tense bilateral relations between the two nations.
Asked if playing Pakistan in the current political scenario is a good thing, Kohli said: “What do you think? You seem to have come here with your own mindset. With all due respect, whatever else is going on, as a cricketer, you can’t even think about your partner at the other end when you are batting.
“It’s about playing the game. Yes, India-Pakistan is always exciting for the fans. It’s different for them. For us, it is just a game of cricket. In our heads nothing really changes, it’s exactly the same for us. It’s not the first time we are playing against them. Playing for India, you don’t need extra motivation.”
Kohli was speaking ahead of the team’s departure for England.
India have been the dominant side in the World T20 and the 50-over World Cup, leading Pakistan 11-0.
However, in the Champions Trophy, Pakistan have a superior record with two wins against India’s first win over their rivals coming only in the last edition, in 2013.
The Champions Trophy is scheduled to begin from June 1 when hosts England taking on Bangladesh while India will begin their campaign three days later.
The Men in Blue last won the tournament in 2013 when they defeated England in the finals by five runs under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
After playing Pakistan, India are scheduled to play Sri Lanka on June 8 and South Africa on June 11 in London.