Debasis Sen, Antigua: Apart from the game on the field, Indian skipper Virat Kohli keeps importance on the mind-game that helped the team to win the biggest win in a test match outside the sub-continent. In an interview Indian skipper put stress on judging the mind of a batsman and insisting him to make mistake.
What is the reason that you took the unorthodox field setup? What is
your thought process as a captain?
It’s all about getting into the batsman’s head and creating that pressure to make him make that mistake. That’s what Test cricket is all about. It’s not just about what’s happening with the bat or ball on the pitch, it’s about what’s happening in the head as well. It’s about how you create momentum for the bowler and the environment around a batsman where he makes that mistake.
That’s where Test cricket is very different from other formats of the game. That’s the challenge for any cricketer in this format, to overcome this and do well. That’s why it’s so testing and so demanding of the players.
The one thing that I try to do is to think as a batsman, which is very important. You can read a batsman’s body language and figure out where he is trying to score his runs. If someone is predominantly looking to set up, get in and score his runs one side of the wicket or not to play a particular stroke then you pick up these things and set a field accordingly to make him to do that.
How is the coach reacting after the win?
It’s a great start for him. First game as coach and we end up winning by an innings. Very happy all round. He congratulated everyone and gave special mention to the guys who made important contributions in the game. Might not be seen too much but those important breakthroughs, important moments are very crucial for the team to win. He understands that very nicely and he was obviously very happy with the victory.
According to you what is the match winning moment of the match?
The way Ishant bowled and Mishi picking up those two wickets in the end also play an important role. Otherwise you have to play the guys who have bowled a bulk of the bowling and tire them out more for those final two wickets. Someone like Ishant maintained the pressure; the run rate did not go beyond two in the first innings. This morning Umesh getting one wicket for us, Ishant an important breakthrough last evening. These are the moments that don’t get much attention but they are very important to winning a Test match.
Why Umesh described the 566 as 350? Is that a psychological strategy of your team?
It’s all about creating good habits. We know that any team can easily go easy on the opposition when you have 560-570 runs. But what’s important is to still have the mindset of defending 350 even when you have 560. Because when you have a low score on the board, then that helps you repeat those things again and you don’t have to do anything
differ.