Virat Kohli, the talismanic batter, has made a return to the training ground after a break, gearing up for India’s highly anticipated World Cup opener against Australia this coming Sunday. The cricketing world watched as Kohli, known for his unwavering commitment, poured sweat into an extended net session that took center stage during India’s first practice session ahead of the tournament.
“I just want to be prepared for the game,” Virat Kohli said in an interview. “I want to be in the best possible shape, both physically and mentally. I know that if I’m not ready, I’m not going to be able to perform at my best.”
In his quest for perfection, the 34-year-old commenced his training regimen with the customary throw-ins, dedicating an extended period to hone his skills before facing the challenge posed by local net bowlers. What’s particularly noteworthy is that this two-hour session was extended by an additional 45 minutes, showcasing his determination to compensate for the team’s missed warm-up games, a crucial element for match simulation.
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“I think it’s important to get some match practice before a big tournament like the World Cup,” Virat Kohli said. “But even though we didn’t get to play our warm-up games, I’m confident that we’re well-prepared. We’ve been training hard and we’re ready to go.”
Joining Virat Kohli in the rigorous net sessions were the dynamic all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, accompanied by the crafty left-arm wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav. Jadeja, not one to be confined to a single discipline, began with a bowling stint and later donned his batting gloves. Meanwhile, Kuldeep and Pandya focused on their bowling craft, with Pandya later switching gears for a brief but impactful batting session.
Virat Kohli’s extended net session was the focal point of Team India’s first training session in Chennai.#ViratKohli #TeamIndia #WorldCup https://t.co/SbFcLGJMGp
— HT Sports (@HTSportsNews) October 4, 2023
“I’m really excited to be playing with this team,” Virat Kohli said. “We have a lot of talent and we’re all very motivated to win the World Cup. We know that it’s going to be a tough challenge, but we’re confident that we can do it.”
While ‘King Kohli’ and company sweated it out, the remaining team members, including the skipper Rohit Sharma, were conspicuous by their absence from the training session. Sharma, however, had a valid excuse as he was fulfilling his commitments in Ahmedabad, where he attended the Captain’s Day press conference.
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In the days leading up to the showdown with Australia, Team India is set to engage in more rigorous training sessions, fine-tuning their skills and strategies in pursuit of World Cup glory. All eyes will be on Virat Kohli when India takes on Australia on Sunday. The batting maestro is looking to rediscover his golden touch and lead India to their third World Cup title. With his unwavering commitment and dedication to the game, Kohli is sure to inspire his teammates and give India the best chance of success.
