I have what it takes to handle that situation – Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli dished out an impeccable performance in the recently concluded ODI series against South Africa as he emerged as the leading run-scorer with 302 runs to his tally. Two centuries and an unbeaten half-century in the series decider from Virat Kohli saw India walking away with the bragging rights of the fray.

Talking at the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli opened up on his mental series throughout the series. He also underlined the fact that when he bats well, it is directly proportional to Team India doing well. He also shed some light on the fact, how thinking in phases was crucial in shaping up his charge in the series.

Kohli said, “Honestly, just playing the way I have in this series has been the most satisfying thing for me. I don't think I have played at this level for a good 2-3 years now and I feel really free in my mind. Just the whole game is coming together nicely. Very exciting to build on. And something that I have always tried to do as a player, kind of maintain my own standards that I have set for myself and play at the level that I can make an impact for the team.”

Linking his dominance and the kind of leverage that creates for the Men in Blue, Kohli said, “And I know when I can bat like that out there in the middle, then it of course helps the team in a big way because I can bat long, I can bat according to the situation. And just being confident just makes me feel like, okay, any situation out there in the middle, I have what it takes to handle that situation and bring it in favour of the team.”

Shedding light on his longevity, Virat said, “When you play for that long, 15-16 years, of course, you are going to have many phases where you doubt your ability. Especially as a batsman because you are literally relying on one mistake. So, you tend to go into a space where you feel like maybe I am not good enough, the nerves take over. That's the beauty of sport, especially a skill like batting where you have to keep overcoming that fear. Every ball that you play and eventually play a long innings and get into a zone again where you can start playing confidently.”

Talking further about the overall journey, VK added, “So, it's a whole journey of learning and getting to know yourself better and becoming better as a person along the whole way. I can surely vouch for the fact that being a batsman and realising so much about myself, what kind of negative thinking patterns I have where I can get into a zone where I don't feel confident or when I am feeling like myself, what are those small little details.”

He concluded by stating, “It just improves you as a person in general and your whole temperament becomes much better and balanced over so many years. So, yes, I have had many phases where I have doubted myself and I haven't been shy to admit that. So, I think it's a pretty human part of anyone's journey for that long. But I am just glad that I am still able to contribute for the team.”