It was a surprise to see stand-in skipper Virat Kohli batting at number four in the Sri Lanka series, after making the number three position his own, with some magnificent knocks in the past.
Kohli, however, didn’t disappoint while batting lower down the order and finished the series with two fifties and a hundred, which he made in the final ODI in Ranchi.
With back-to-back impressive performances in the five-match series, he has claimed second spot in the latest ICC ODI batsmen rankings, behind Proteas AB de Villiers.
The stylish right-hander insisted that not playing on number four was part of plan as the team wanted to try different combinations for the future.
“The team and I had certain plans so we decided it’s best if I play at No. 4,” Kohli said. “In the future, it will depend on the situation as to where the team wants me to play.”
“I am learning to play at all positions,” he added. “It has to be in the best interest of the team. And we are very happy with how we finished the series.”
Under Kohli’s captaincy, Team India has won 14 out of 17 games, including a cleansweep over Sri Lanka in the recently concluded series.
The Delhi-born insisted that there is always pressure while leading the team, but it depends on the individual how to handle it.
“Everyone has his or her own way of handling pressure,” Kohli pointed out. “It depends on how you view it. Even the smallest of things and situations can put pressure on you and if you view things normally, then even the toughest situations won’t affect you.”
“Obviously such things do cross your mind,” he added. “You have set certain standards for yourself and you would like to meet them. Popularity and records are the by-products of your hard work and dedication. My main aim is to give my best.”
“You cannot target records or popularity. All you can do is play to the best of your abilities and then people will connect with you because of your honesty and dedication.”
