'Our goal is to win the World Cup' - Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma engaged in candid chat after former's 71st ton

With his 71st hundred in International cricket, the poster boy of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli,is back to his rhythm. He smashed 122 runs off 61 deliveries and brought up his much-awaited century. With that special innings, India put up 212 runs on board as Afghanistan bowlers failed to tame the former captain. India in the end won the match by 101 runs but most importantly, would be delighted to see Kohli back in form before the T20 World Cup in Australia.

Following their big win, captain Rohit Sharma, who was rested for the game, sat down with Virat Kohli for a candid conversation and congratulated him for his massive hundred. He appreciated Kohli for picking the right bowlers and playing the right kind of shots in the middle and then asked about Virat’s take on his innings.

Kohli, who previously spoke about his break, once again focused on how it helped him to take a fresh perspective and build to that. He thanked his teammates and support staff for a clear communication and also said how the team is now eyeing for the T20 World Cup.

“It was a special day for us as a team. After the last game, we were talking about the kind of attitude we need to show in this match. We got the exposure of the knock-out stage and pressure situations in this tournament. However, everyone knows that our goal is to win in Australia. So, we are improving for that. Personally, I took a break after 12-13 or 14 years of cricket when I didn’t touch the bat. A lot of things came into perspective. I had proper communication from the players and management and they let me bat freely. The space was very important for me,” said Virat Kohli in a video released by BCCI TV.

Kohli also revealed how he and none of his teammates believed that Kohli will score his 71st century in this format of the game. “I am pleasantly surprised and very grateful” is what the ‘King’ of the cricketing world said after that special knock.

Your biggest strength is your work ethic: Rohit Sharma

Rift, no rift and what not! Be it broadcast media or social media, everyone more or less at point of time spoke about a possible rift between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The duo always denied such accusations and played some memorable knocks to help India win in multiple matches. Thus, the duo knows each other inside out. On Thursday, when they sat together for a candid chat, the Indian captain appreciated Kohli for his work ethic and never to let it go attitude.

“Your biggest strength is of course your work ethic and never to let it go, no matter what the situation is. That was evident in the three matches that you have played. In T20 cricket, we talk about big-hitting and all of that but that was a perfect example of how to craft your innings without focusing too much on big hitting. That was wonderful to see,” said Rohit Sharma after Virat’s ton.

When KL bats well in T20 cricket, our team looks stronger: Virat Kohli

Virat  Kohli’s century will of course make the headlines but KL Rahul’s knock of 62 off 41 balls was very important from the team's perspective. His return back to his form is a massive boost for team India ahead of the T20 World Cup. Former India captain Virat Kohli is delighted to see him get his mojo back and said how the team looks stronger with KL Rahul in form.

“We should not ignore his knock. We know how important it is for KL to be in a good space heading into the World Cup. We all know what he can do in this format. He plays very clean shots, very solid shots. Once he bats well in T20 cricket, our team looks even strong. We know how confident we are as a team and I’m sure good things will happen in the future,” said the 33-year-old.

Watch Video: 

What happens when @ImRo45 interviews @imVkohli ☺️ 👏

Laughs, mutual admiration & a lot of respect 😎- by @ameyatilak

Full interview 📽️https://t.co/8bVUaa0pUw #TeamIndia | #AsiaCup2022 | #INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/GkdPr9crLh

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 9, 2022