Vision is for India to become superpower in Test cricket: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is one of the most influential cricketers in the world at the moment. He is a trend-setter and an example not only for the youngsters but also for the current crop of cricketers. He’s changed the way the players and the world look at the game and has brought in a big attitude change.

Ever since Kohli took up the Test captaincy after MS Dhoni’s sudden retirement from the longest format of the game, he has had a special place for the longest format. He prioritizes Test cricket and gives it utmost importance. He’s said that on numerous occasions and has reiterated it once again. The Indian skipper’s vision is to make India a dominant force in the whites. He wants the fans and everyone across the globe to understand and respect the importance of Test cricket. More importantly, he wants Test cricket to stay at the top.

“I wouldn’t say goal but I would rather speak of a vision, which is for India to be a superpower in Test cricket or a very, very strong side in Test cricket in the years to come. I think if Indian cricket respects Test cricket, and Indian players respect Test cricket, then Test cricket will stay at the top because of the fan base that we have all over the world,” Kohli said in an interview with bcci.tv.

He feels that though the other two formats are important, the sole focus should not be on them, else it will affect the budding and upcoming cricketers. “If we focus too much on shorter formats – yes, they’re important – but if we solely focus and look at them as an escape or an excuse to not be in the kind of situations that Test cricket presents to you, then I think there’ll start being a mental problem with the cricketers coming up,” the Indian skipper added.

Kohli all praise for Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri has had a couple of stints with this Indian team in the recent past. The first one was when he flew in as the director after the disastrous Test series in England in 2014. He served at the position till March 2016. India did quite well under him. Then he walked in as the head coach after the Kohli-Kumble fiasco broke out. However, the team has gelled well under him and have produced good results.

According to Kohli, Shastri has had a big influence on this team. In fact, he deems that the head coach has played a big role in bringing the team where they are now and credits him quite a bit for the team’s success.

Here are the records created during the 2nd ODI between Australia and India:

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from Australia vs India series, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.