Internet Desk: Defending Champions India would be facing their arch-rivals Pakistan in the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Oval.
“It’s been quite a few years I have been doing that (coping with the pressure of expectations). Honestly, you can’t think of those things when you step on to the field,” said Kohli in the pre-match press conference on Saturday.
“I know there are expectations, there are people who want us to do well every time we play. But I understand as a player that it is not possible. It is very important to realise the things that might or might not happen in the game. And you have to be close to reality and you can’t live in a dilemma and you have to focus on the things that you have to do on the field,” he added.
“This is a part of being an Indian cricketer and then having performed for a few years, obviously expectations have gone up. You have to find a way to deal with it. You can’t ignore it also and have to maintain a balance. I think I have been able to strike a good balance and I am sure I will be fine tomorrow,” said Kohli.
When the Indian skipper was enquired about any changes in preparation, Kohli said that they are sticking to their plans and on what they believe.
“We never spoke about the semi-final in a different way and we are not talking about the final in a different way either. We have practiced the same way we did before previous matches and our approach hasn’t changed at all,” Kohli said.
“We have changed nothing from the first match that we played in this tournament. We are keeping things simple as the more you are relaxed, the better decisions you make. I feel that when you reach this far into a tournament, you can’t work on techniques. It’s how you prepare for the big games. You have to believe in yourselves,” he added.
In their opening game, India had already defeated Pakistan but Kohli thinks that records of past doesn’t matter in the finals.
“I don’t see the relevance of the game in here. Some teams start confidently while the other teams make a strong comeback into the tournament, like Pakistan have done,” said Kohli.
“On their day, they can beat any side in the world. However, we are not intimidated by them. nor we are being arrogant. We are just confident in our abilities,” he added.
“No team in the tournament is guaranteed a victory as whichever team performs on that day will win. We can only control our performances and that is what we are looking to do,” he added.
Kohli backed young all-rounder Hardik Panyda when he called him a complete package. The 23-year old was heavily criticized for his poor performance in the last games. He had a poor form in the ICC Champions Trophy when he picked only one wicket.
“We are not looking to change too many things and I will always back a player like Hardik as he provides a good balance to the squad. He can bat, he can bowl, he is just a complete package,” said Kohli.
“So far he has been really good in the tournament. When he bowls well, it is a total relief for me as a captain because he can get you couple of wickets and seven-eight good overs. I would not think of changing anything at this particular stage,” he added.