ICC World Cup is all set to begin from May 30 in England. Before the tournament, India captain Virat Kohli shared that pressure will be a massive factor in the second half of the World Cup. However, all the teams have pulled their shocks and ready to win the title. While England pacer Jofra Archer said he’s eyeing the wicket of India’s key player Virat Kohli, India captain didn’t have any idea about that.
“Did he say that? I have no idea. That’s news to me,” said Kohli at the pre-tournament press conference of the captains’ on Thursday (May 23).
“We don’t really focus on these things. You don’t focus on whether people want to get you out and things like that. Our focus is mainly on contributing to the team. I take a lot of pride in performing for the team, and making impact performances. If Jofra said that, it’s a huge compliment because he himself is a world class bowler. The way he has come about in the IPL and playing around the world in the last two years, there is a good reason for him to fast-tracked to the World Cup,” Kohli said.
“I think he’s going to be their X-factor because he holds a skill set that’s very different from anyone else, he can generate a lot of pace which can be very intimidating and you don’t really expect that because of his run-up. He’s a great athlete. He’s going to be exciting to watch in the World Cup, I’ll personally be watching him as well because whatever I’ve seen of him has been very very exciting,” he added.
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However, Kohli praised Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan for his astonishing bowling.
“I have seen him bowl for three years (in IPL) now and this year was the first time I didn’t play against him and it was a pity that we couldn’t face each other,” said Kohli.
“Sitting outside, this was the first time in three years when I could predict nine of the ten balls, that’s how good he has been. He’s just outstanding with the skill set. The pace on the ball is the key, the variations are subtle. He just doesn’t give you any time on the ball. Forget flighting the ball, he just hits your bat so hard, before you know, it is through your pads and you are bowled or lbw. He brings that fast bowler’s intensity with him as a spinner, which is very rare to see. I love seeing competitive guys and his attitude is outstanding. I wish him the best because when he is bowling well, you want to sit down and watch,” India captain said.
Moreover, Virat Kohli said that the host, England is one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
“England is probably the strongest side, but all ten teams are well balanced and strong. The format makes it all the more challenging, I see this as one of the most competitive World Cups that people are going to see,” Kohli said.
“Really depends on how these guys (England) go,” he said while asking about the highest score would be in the tournament . “They seem to be obsessed with getting to 500 first, they smash from ball one till the 50th over. They asked this back home in the press conference as well and I said – 250-260 is going to be as difficult to get in a World Cup as chasing 370 of 380. I don’t see too many high scoring games in the latter half of the tournament. Initially a few teams might get high scores but you’ll see 250 defended as well, that’s the pressure that World Cup brings,” he explained.
“Not all teams are going to be in great positions. The ones that have to get the result are the ones that are going to be under pressure to chase even small scores. The fact that we’ll get closer to the knockouts will bring pressure in the latter half of the tournament. I think teams recognize that. No one is going to go gung-ho from ball one. In pressure games, you might get a team that goes on a roll but generally both teams start balanced, find their way into the game and capitalise on moments. Pressure will be a massive factor in the second half,” added Kohli.
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Though India lost their last ODI series against Australia by 3-2, Kohli said the series was great learning before the World Cup.
“I think the one thing we learnt, and I spoke to Stoinis during the IPL as well, was the fact that if a team on a given day gets together against an experienced side and just believes more that they can win against all odds, it can be achieved,” he expressed. “Being 2-0 up, we thought we’d definitely win one of the three. But they showed more passion, character and determination in the small moments and enjoyed every moment. You play anyone in this World Cup, you need that passion and that commitment or they’ll get one on you.”
The Indian captain was asked about the game between India and Pakistan as well.
“I think India-Pakistan is always an anticipated match. We keep saying again and again. If you ask the players, it’s very different from how the fans feel. Yes we feel the anticipation and excitement when you enter the stadium. But as soon as you enter the field, it’s very professional. It’s just another game you need to win as a team. Yes it brings pressure because the atmosphere in the stadium is very different. But as soon as you enter, it’s a game of cricket for all of us. We keep saying this again and again, but that’s the truth,” he said.
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“In the World Cup, you see the first four or five games you’re going to play. You play accordingly as a side. I don’t think we single out any team, all ten teams are strong and they can beat anyone. That makes the tournament exciting. If we play good cricket, we’ll be in a good position. Every team will want to focus on their skills,” he further added.
India will begin their World Cup campaign on June 5 against South Africa in the Rose Bowl, Southampton.
