Former Indian skipper, Virat Kohli conceded that he is aware of the fans’ expectations about him achieving milestones whenever he goes out to bat. His comments came after he was dismissed for 45 in the first innings of his 100th Test, which is also the series opener between India and Sri Lanka in Mohali on Friday. The cricketing fraternity was rooting for Virat Kohli to become the first Indian cricketer to reach the 3-figure mark on his 100th Test.
Virat Kohli was castled by left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya and he was not able to believe his luck as he was beaten completely by a delivery that turned square and hit the top of the off-stump after pitching on the middle and leg. Speaking to the press after Day 1 of his 100th Test, Virat Kohli said, “I am preparing exactly the way I have prepared all along. As long as I am batting well, I am not bothered at all.”
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He further elaborated, “People look at milestones and talk about a lot of things which are just a conversation on the outside, I know for a fact that I have been involved in very important partnerships for the team in the recent past. I have been performing consistently and hence the expectations are there. As long as your focus is on the right things, I am not too worried about milestones. I have never been bothered about that. I am batting well and that for me is the most important thing.”
Virat Kohli had “butterflies” in his stomach and “felt nervous” like making his debut when he walked out to bat in his 100th Test but he is not bothered by the lack of hundreds as he feels he is batting well.
Explaining the same, Virat Kohli said, “It felt like I am making my debut. Had butterflies in my stomach, did feel very nervous,” he said. However, he admitted that he needs to convert his starts. He added, “Obviously disappointed as I got a good start. I was batting well. You obviously feel disappointed as a batsman. Endeavour is always to make sure to play big innings for the team and put the team in a strong position.”
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Meanwhile, India was in a spot of bother as they lost Virat Kohli and Hanuma Vihari in quick succession. However, Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer made a brilliant partnership but the latter got out for 27 after getting to a quick start. Pant, nonetheless, brought out his big-hitting game and ended up smashing 9 boundaries and 4 sixes for his 97-ball 96.
