Virat Kohli, declaring himself fit for the decider, said he does see himself with the same lens than the outside world looks at him.
Kohli said he asked himself the toughest questions, followed a rigorous process and led with passion, aggression and intensity, so that it rubbed off on team-mates. “You have to be hungry for success,” he said.
The Indian captain, searching for runs, said, “This is not the first time that I am going through such a phase. It happened to me in England.”
Kohli said he took a lot of pride in playing for and leading India. “I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. I am following a process and runs will come.”
Kolhi said the form shown by veterans Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the Indian second innings at the Wanderers gave the team confidence. “In crunch moments you need experience.”
Asked about transition with young batters Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer waiting in the wings, Kohli said, “Transition cannot be forced on a team. It has to happen naturally.”
The topic shifted to Rishabh Pant, and Kohli said, “Yes we had a conversation with him regarding stroke selection during the practise session. He is young, talented and will find a way.”
Kohli said seamer Mohammed Siraj, still recovering from a hamstring strain, will not play the third Test.
He added, “The pace bowling has been driving this team for the last seven years. It is difficult to leave out or pick someone. There is so much depth.”
Queried whether the Indian team missed Ravindra Jadeja on this tour, Kohli replied, “Ash (Ashwin) has been doing a fabulous job ever since the Australia tour with the ball and the bat. Either Ash or Jadeja, both are very good.”
Deep down Kohli comprehends the significance of the third Test. It’s a winner-takes-all situation.
