If something pokes us, we give it right back: Kohli
Internet Desk: Virat Kohli on Tuesday termed the series win against Australia as the best for his team so far. The Indian captain described the series win as unbelievable. According to Kohli, “It’s been unbelievable. This is our best series win so far. The way we bounced back from World No 7 to No. 1 has been outstanding achievement and I am proud as a captain.”
“I thought (the series against) England was intense, but the way Australia gave us a fight it was amazing on their part but our guys kept bouncing back. We showed true character and maturity. The guys handled themselves well,” he added.
Ajinkya Rahane did a great job as stand in captain. Unlike Kohli he showed restrained aggression and managed the team well.
“Ajinkya led the team really well. It was very pleasing to see that from the outside,” said Kohli about his deputy.
The Indian pacers have been outstanding throughout the series. Umesh Yadav has been a revelation with 17 wickets. Ishant too has been brilliant, although he got only 3 wickets. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who replaced Ishant in this match, got one wicket in each innings that included the prized wicket of Steve Smith. Lauding the efforts of the pacers, Kohli said, “Unbelievable, the kind of fitness and desire the fast bowlers have shown, it has been game-changing.”
The Indian captain was in the line of fire of Australian media after stopping just short of calling rival captain Steve Smith a cheat for his infamous DRS ‘Brain Fade’. Brushing the criticism aside, Kohli said he hardly cares for what was spoken or written about him Down Under.
“Some people want to create some spice sitting at some part of the world. They don’t confront such situations themselves. The easiest thing to do is to just sit at home and write a blog or speak on Mic but to go out there and bowl and bat is different,” he said.
Kohli said he was thoroughly enjoying the responsibility of leading a motivated side.
“I like taking responsibility, every game that I play for India is an opportunity to do something special with my skills. I like getting involved in the game. The workload is something that needs to be kept in mind in future but right now when the body is responding well I am fine,” he said.
Kohli said the fact his team’s improved fitness helped has in taking the rigours of a long home season, which included series against South Africa, New Zealand and England.
“The changes we made in our fitness regimen have paid off. Guys have been able to sustain the performance throughout the season,” he said.
“In the past, we have had sessions where we have given away the game easily. Not this season. It has been a team season. Not one or two individuals who have stood out.
Speaking about his recovery from the shoulder niggle, Kohli said he will be back to full fitness in a few weeks.
“It’s still a few weeks to go till I can be 100 per cent on the field. You have to take it in your stride and move forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday congratulated the Indian Cricket Team for retaining the No. 1 position in Test team rankings and registering unbeaten series wins in the home season 2016-17.
The BCCI also announced the following cash awards after the historic Test series win against Australia –
(i) Team India Test team members – INR 50 Lakhs
(ii) Team India Head Coach – INR 25 Lakhs
(iii) Team India Support Staff – INR 15 Lakhs
The cash rewards will be given on a pro rate basis.