Kohli became only the second batter in history, after the legendary Tendulkar, to complete 15,000 runs in ODI cricket.
Virat Kohli’s 15,000-run ODI milestone may have put him in an elite club alongside Sachin Tendulkar, but the star batter insisted personal landmarks have never been his focus as he underlined his enduring hunger to “up the ante” for the team. He hit a record-extending 55th ton in the format to help India win the first match against the West Indies here on Sunday.
Virat Kohli’s 15,000-run ODI milestone may have put him in an elite club alongside Sachin Tendulkar, but the star batter insisted personal landmarks have never been his focus as he underlined his enduring hunger to “up the ante” for the team.
Because i can, as I said, I promised myself I’m going to play positively.
It’s just understanding the situation along the course of just doing the job for the team, (the) achievements come along,” Kohli told the broadcaster after the match. Emphasising on fitness, Kohli said being fit helps him in visualising his game. I stay physically fit and then I’m able to visualise the game in the way that I want to play, which allows me the best chance to go out there and execute in the way that I did tonight,” he said.
“My focus has never really been on these milestones, so to say. “I think to follow a free mind, you need a fit body so for me, it works the other way around. “We are a year away from the World Cup. I know what my goal is and it’s pretty clear for me that whatever games we get, I just need to keep working on different aspects of the game, keep myself physically fit, challenge myself to be out there. “So when I get an opportunity, I feel happy rather than feeling anxiety or pressure to make the most of it. I just want to express myself and play my game. “I’m going to continue to play like that but not be reckless. There’s a fine line, which as a professional, as an experienced player, I should have the ability to execute in this way without playing reckless shots and get the team through,” he added.
