It’s a virtual quarter-final for us: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has played down the pressure factor of a knock-out game ahead of the do or die contest against Australia on 27th March. He instead stressed upon on thriving under pressure and bringing out the best results.

India will take on Australia at Mohali in a crucial super 10 game from Group 2 which is logically a quarter-final sort of encounter for both the sides as the winner of that contest will progress to the semi-final. Both teams have won two out of their three games but Australia leads India in the points table on the basis of net run rate.

“For me, stepping into the cricket field is an opportunity, not a pressure situation. If you win the semi-finals and final in a World Cup, you become more confident. One needs to take up challenges rather than being nervous,” Kohli said in a pre-match press conference at Mohali on Saturday.

Meanwhile, talking more about pressure, Kohli praised his skipper MS Dhoni’s incredible ability of keeping his cool during pressure cooker situation.

“This format requires you to be at the top of your focus. He (Dhoni) is very calm and composed, this is his biggest quality,” he said.

India recently beat Australia 3-0 in a T20 International (T20I) series down under. Kohli feels that experience will certainly be helpful for the team during this encounter, but he is not ready to take anything for granted.

“We cannot take anything for granted it’s a virtual quarter-final for us and we all know that. Australia is a very strong side and they play with a lot of passion. I believe in playing the same way, I like that challenge,” the Indian vice-captain was quoted saying in the presser.