Kohli is looking to turn his fortunes around during the upcoming series against Australia
India batsman Virat Kohli has expressed his frustration at the prolonged period of bad form he has been experiencing with the bat in all three formats, stating that while it is highly “annoying”, it is something every cricketer goes through during their career.
Kohli will be hoping his 77 in the last ODI against England will mark the end of his horrendous run and will also be a sign of things to come in the upcoming home series against Australia.
“I wasn’t feeling the same as others might have about my form, to be honest,” Kohli said. “No one can keep scoring consistently for a period of 16 months. It’s always a balance in international cricket. There will be a phase when you don’t score in four-five games.
“It was a bit annoying for me as I was not getting out making too many mistakes. I got a few good balls in the last series and made a few mistakes in this series. But, I was pretty calm at that point of time. You just got to be composed. You just know that it is going to happen at some point or the other (return to form).”
Kohli noted that the only solution to his batting woes was working on continuously developing his game in the nets.
“When you get frustrated, you tend to increase that lean phase which you are going through,” Kohli added. “You’ve got to be positive, which I am glad that I was and was able to come out with that knock in the last game.”
The Indian batsman also stated that he was comfortable coming in at number three and hopes to cement the spot for a long time to come.
“I think batting at number three has been working fine for me,” Kohli said. “I wouldn’t know too much about lower order because I played a few games when I was new. This position (No 3) I like the pressure situation and I like to finish things as well, it gives me sort of right platform to do the job for the team. It suits me well. I think No 3 is the position that works best for me.”
Looking back at the ODI series, Kohli mentioned that England youngster Joe Root has a bright future ahead of him if he is able to maintain his fitness and concentration.
“From what I have seen him bat in Nagpur in the first game he played, he seems to be a guy who has got the temperament to absorb the pressure and sort of work it out and get through that situation,” Kohli added. “He (Root) has a bright future ahead of him. That really counts in international game. It is not mere technique or the sort of foot movement you have. 70 per cent, it is about temperament. I think he has got it in him and I wish all the best for him in his career.
“From what we all have observed … James Tredwell (spinner) is another guy who has done well in the bowling department.”
Kohli also credited the bowlers for helping India escape with a 3-2 series win.
“If you consistently put pressure on the batsmen and if the wicket is a bit slow and it turns and you have to play shots, it gets a bit difficult,” Kohli said. “It’s been a combination of our bowlers bogging them down and English batsmen playing a few bad shots.”