Indian Test captain Virat Kohli addressed the Press Conference ahead of the third test between India and South Africa which is scheduled to start from tomorrow. Kohli missed the second Test match due to back spasm. But now the Indian skipper is all set to lead the Indian team in the third Test between India and South Africa. KL Rahul led India for the first time in the last match. India lost the second test match by seven wickets and the series is now stand at 1-1. On that note, let’s see the main points from Virat Kohli Press Conference ahead of 3rd Test vs SA .
Kohli on fitness issues
A media person asked about the fitness issue in the Indian camp in recent times. Virat Kohli said that India play a a lot of cricket. And injuries are part and parcel of the game. Virat also added that injuries are natural occurrence of the game.
“The reality of the situation is that we do play a lot of cricket. I take pride in being fit at all times, but you do take a lot of things for granted. I have been playing all three formats + IPL since 2012. There injuries are a natural occurrence.”
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli on himself
Kohli clarified that he need not to prove something to anyone. He said that he is taking a lot of pride in representing the country in the game of cricket. Also, he added the moment when he took over the captaincy from MS Dhoni. At that time, India were on 7th position. And for many years now, India continues to be on the top of the Test Playing nations across the world.
“I take a lot of pride in performing for my team. I’ve been involved in many important moments for the team over the past year. I truly believe that I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. When I took over as captain in Tests, India were No. 7 in the World. We can’t even relate to that reality anymore since we’ve been No.1 for so long.”
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli on his and Siraj’s availability
Kohli confirmed that he is fit and will take part in tomorrow’s game. But, he also added that Siraj is not fully fit and he will be not playing the final Test which is starting from tomorrow. Though, he didn’t tell who will be replacing Siraj but Ishant might get the nod over Umesh Yadav.
“I’m absolutely fit. Siraj is still recovering, I don’t think he’s match ready yet and I don’t think we can take the risk of playing a pacer who isn’t 110% fit. We are yet to decide Siraj’s replacement for the third Test. I will have a discussion with the coach and vice-captain. But I’m glad to be in this position where there are so many choices at our disposal.”
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli on Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant was in talks after his shot off Kagiso Rabada in the second Test match. Head Coach Rahul Dravid also told after the match that they will talk with Rishabh. Virat, now told that they all had conversation with Rishabh Pant.
“We have had conversations with Rishabh during the practice. We have all committed mistakes in crucial times.”
Virat Kohli
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Virat Kohli on MS Dhoni advice
Kohli recalled the advice he got from MS Dhoni some years back. MS Dhoni told Virat that there should be gap of at least 7-8 months between repeating a mistake. Virat added that this piece of advice is really insightful for him.
“MS Dhoni once told me there should be gap of at least 7-8 months between repeating a mistake. Only then you can have a long career. This piece of advice really stuck with me.”
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli on KL Rahul’s captaincy
Kohli also judged the captaincy of KL Rahul in the previous Test match. KL Rahul captained India for the first time in the 2nd Test Match against South Africa. Kohli said that he captained very well. But South Africa played brilliantly on the last day of the Test Match. Though, he added that if he was the captain he would captain a bit different in those situation.
“KL (Rahul) tried to take wickets in the second innings but South Africa played very good cricket. I don’t think he could have done anything different there. Yes, I probably would have done certain things differently but the objective would have been the same. Every individual has a different style of captaining.”
Virat Kohli
These are all the main points from Virat Kohli Press Conference ahead of 3rd Test vs SA. India is scheduled to play 3rd Test match against South Africa which is starting from tomorrow in Cape Town. Virat Kohli is all set to replace Hanuma Vihari in the Playing XI. And Ishant Sharma might get a nod ahead of Umesh Yadav in place of Mohammad Siraj who pulled his hamstring in the last Test Match.
