With the ICC WTC final looming, skipper of the Indian cricket team Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri interacted with the media, ahead of their departure to England. The Indian side is scheduled to play the Black Caps in a one-off Test from June 18-22, which will decide the winners of the inaugural edition of the WTC.
Following the battle, India will then face off against hosts England in an all-important five-match Test series, starting August 4. This will be Kohli’s third tour of England. The other two being 2014, where Virat Kohli struggled to make an impact, and 2018, where he brought about a majestic turnaround.
It’s about leading the team in the right way – Virat Kohli
When asked how different the mindset is after 2 contrasting tours,” Virat Kohli said. “I don’t think (the) mindset has changed at all. Mindset was always to go out there and perform. I only see it (the previous tours) as evolution of my position in the team.”
“If in 2014, you would have told me that in 2021 I’m going to play the WTC final, I would have had a tough time believing that. I have stopped looking at series as ultimate tasks or goals. It’s about leading the team in the right way,” he continued.
Meanwhile, head coach Ravi Shastri intervened and had a few cheeky words to say about the changes Virat Kohli has had in the two different tours.
“The Kohli of 2021 is slimmer and fitter and only has five and half thousand more runs,” Shastri claimed.
Although Virat Kohli made a staggering 573 runs, bagging the joint man of the series award with Sam Curran, India ended up on the losing side with a 1-4 scoreline. This time around, the team will be hoping to come together a lot better.
The five-match Test series begins on August 4, with the first test scheduled to be played at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
