Former India captain Virat Kohli has admitted that lack of discipline has cost him heavily in the last three innings of the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy. Virat Kohli has managed the scores of 7, 11 and 3 in the last three innings since scoring the century at the Perth in the first Test.
“Last two or three innings hasn’t gone the way I wanted to,” Virat Kohli told former India coach Ravi Shastri in an interview on Fox Cricket on the first day of the Boxing Day Test.
“As I said, haven’t been disciplined enough to stick in there and, you know, really grind it out. And that’s what the challenge that Test Cricket brings.”
Kohli said the pitches in Australia has become more lively than the last time he has played in down under.
Virat Kohli at the Adelaide Oval. (Cricket Australia)
“Obviously, these pitches are much more livelier than the last time that we played here. So, there’s a different approach that’s required.
“But that’s something that I’ve taken a lot of pride in to go out there and counter different conditions and step up when the team wants me to or needs me to.
“So, yeah, the idea is to get stuck in, as I said. Go in there, get your eyes set in, play enough number of balls that you start playing a game afterwards, but respect the conditions foremost. Team point of view, they’ll be in a good shape of mind.”
On the expectations
On the burden of expectations, the 36-year-old said: “Well, expectations are always going to be there, I guess, playing for your country firstly, and then having performed for that long a period, the expectations are always going to follow.”
“I think what’s important is to make sure you understand your own plans and you understand the space you are in.
India’s Virat Kohli looks on during play on day two of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia. (AP)
“If you start focusing on the expectations, then you drift away from what you need to do. So, you know, the idea is just follow the game plan that I have. Just stay very disciplined in my approach.
“Just understand the situation of the game. That’s something that’s brought me success over so many years. And really focus on what the team needs from me out there.
“If there’s, you know, I walk in early, then it’s a different situation. If there’s a partnership, then to capitalize and stretch that good period for the team. So, I think it’s just looking at situations and making sure you have your own game plan set.
On the series
The series is level at 1-1. Kohli also said that the series has started now.
“I mean, if you would have told us we’re going to be one all heading into Boxing Day Test, we would have taken it with both hands,” he said.
India’s Virat Kohli bats during play on day three of the third cricket test between India and Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane, Australia, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024.AP/PTI(AP12_16_2024_000005B)
India’s record at MCG
India have a great record at the MCG. They can take some confidence from its triumphs on its two previous two test tours of Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-2021, including claiming victory in Melbourne on both occasions.
“Yes, we played some really good cricket here. As I said, last time around when we played, we won. The year before that, we won as well. So, I think it’s just about understanding where the seed is placed. And that takes away all the pressure on individuals,” said Kohli.
“Now it’s all to play for. We won all. We want to have a strong test match here.
“Try to go up in the series heading into SCG. And yeah, it’s going to be a cracker of a test match. Both teams really want to win this one.
“And Australia is going to bring their A game and so are we. But yeah, the opportunity is in front of us.
“To avoid the follow-on in Brisbane and the way the tail got stuck in. And to make sure that we’re not batting again under pressure was massive. And in the end, it ended up to be a draw when the situation was looking bleak for us. So yeah, we have really got stuck in, shown character at the right stage.
“And that has given us another chance to start afresh and approach this game like we approached the first one. Well, it’s a special day, special test match.”
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