Virat Kohli explains why they are chosen among millions to play cricket at international level

After a shocking defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in their second group match of ICC Champions Trophy 2017, India returned to winning ways as they beat South Africa to book their spot in the semi-finals of the tournament. The way India beat the AB de Villiers’ led side, they proved why they are the defending champions of the tournament. They won the match convincingly by 8 wickets to make it on the top 4 in style.

Meanwhile, India captain Virat Kohli said that at times they have to say things that hurt the players but make sure that they jolt them back to reality. He explained why they, among millions in the world, are chosen to play cricket at that level. He also emphasised on why it is important to learn from their mistakes.

“You have to be honest, and you have to sometimes say things that hurt. You have to lay it out in front of them – that this is what we did wrong, including me, and we need to take it on the chin. That’s why we are chosen among millions of people to play at this level. You can’t do the same mistakes over and over again,” the captain said in a post-match conference.

Kohli’s message to the team before the game 

While India’s batting department has been brilliant, to say the least, scoring 300 plus in both their first two games, lack of variations in their bowling was problematic in the second match against Sri Lanka. But more than anything, the biggest problem lay in India’s fielding unit, which was below par. But against South Africa, those mistakes were erased and India fielded brilliantly.

“This was something that we required, this kind of a fielding performance. And before going out, we had a chat in the huddle [where I said] that I want to see everyone’s intensity go up, and that a conscious effort we have to make individually in such a big game, you need to start well,” said Kohli.

India will face neighbours Bangladesh in the semi-final on Wednesday.