Thiruvananthapuram. Virat Kohli, who has completed 15,000 runs in ODI cricket, has attributed his long-term success to his desire to help the team win rather than personal records. Kohli, who led India to victory by scoring a record 55th century in the first ODI played against West Indies on Sunday, said that his aim has always been to lead the team to victory in difficult circumstances.
Kohli has become the second batsman in the world after the great batsman Sachin Tendulkar to complete 15,000 runs in ODIs.
Running after statistics does not lead to long term success
Speaking to BCCI TV, 37-year-old Kohli said that 15,000 runs is a big achievement in terms of statistics, but his main goal has always been to help the team win.
He said that a player cannot play at the top level for long just to achieve statistics. According to him, if personal records become a priority then the main goal of the team may be compromised.
Kohli said that achieving this big figure with another win is very special for him and he considers himself lucky to reach this position.
The moment of 15 thousand runs with Kohli was memorable for Gill
Indian captain Shubman Gill also described the historic moment of completing 15,000 ODI runs with Kohli as memorable. Gill, who considered Kohli his idol since childhood, said that he never thought that he would be present on the field when Virat completed his 15,000 runs.
Gill said that watching Kohli and idolizing him and trying to understand what makes him so special has been a great experience for him. He expressed hope that many better memories will be made with both of them in future also.
'Virat bhai is enjoying his batting very much'
Gill also discussed Kohli's current form and confidence. He said that the ease and confidence in Kohli's batting is clearly visible both inside and outside the field.
According to Gill, Kohli is enjoying his batting at the moment and this is also visible in his playing style.
No need for much conversation while batting with Gill
Kohli said that there is no need for much conversation while batting with Shubman Gill. He said that both of them know what they have to do in their batting.
However, based on experience, Kohli sometimes gives suggestions to Gill regarding the selection of shots in a particular situation. Much of the interaction between the two takes place during fielding, where they discuss the captain's thoughts and situations.
Kohli called Gill's captaincy a decision taken after careful consideration.
Praising Gill's leadership, Kohli said that there is a solid reason behind him being given the captaincy of the Indian team. According to him, Gill has the ability to see the game from such a perspective that the team can be led towards victory.
Kohli also said that ever since Gill joined the team, his relationship with him has been open and full of fun. Now Gill is in the leadership role, while Kohli himself is playing the role of a senior player of the team.
It is important to keep the atmosphere light even under pressure
Kohli also emphasized on the role of experienced players and captain in pressure matches. He said that when the captain and senior players have a smile on their faces and keep the atmosphere light, the other players also feel comfortable.
According to him, players can maintain a professional attitude by smiling and laughing even in high pressure matches. This sends a message to the rest of the team that pressure does not need to dominate.
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