Virat Kohli said Thursday that the series of upcoming limited matches scheduled for this year will be a great opportunity for players, including their predecessor Mahendra Singh Dhoni, to define their roles and run it long before the 2019 ICC World Cup.
Dhoni’s form, as well as his cricket career, have been under scanners following his test cricket retirement in 2014, but Kohli believes that the 24 home games bound at home will help the previous employer in getting some momentum and consistency going his way.
Kohli said: “This next season gives us the opportunity to define the roles of the players and give them time to execute it so that for the World Cup, we know exactly what a player needs to do in certain situations.”
“And it helps someone like MS as well because he does not play test cricket anymore. This long streak of matches will help you to be in touch with international games, find some momentum and stick to it.You want to find moment in a season So make sure you do it with consistent performances, “he added.
Kohli further revealed that the team has begun to take on more responsibilities in recent years and is focusing on winning more games for the country as a team rather than on their personal achievements.
“One thing we decided to do as a team was to take more responsibility and ownership of what we do in the field. We have gained experience in the last two years as a test team and now we feel much more comfortable where we have arrived rather than Wait to gain experience and then try to get into the mentality of winning games, “Kohli emphasized.
“We met as a team and for us only the victories mattered and not where we personally met. And the result is that we all have grown up as cricket players. This was the only message we shared as a group. It could be different for different Teams, “he added.
The record season, which will see India hosting 23 international matches, will see the Kohli team play against Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka again until the end of the year before traveling through South Africa.
When asked about the possibility of giving Hardik Pandya the new ball, Kohli responded in affirmation, adding that the all-terrain could use his height as an advantage to get a little more rebound.
“It’s very possible because it has the ability to balance the ball and can consistently throw more than 135 km. With the new ball, you can get a little extra rebound because of its height,” insisted the swordsman.
“Hardik has also played with the new ball in India, against England and New Zealand in a few games, and we consider it a great option. The first 10, balancing the ball If the teams try to go after him, he can choose a Pair of wickets too, “he added.
India are leading 1-0 in the ongoing ODI series after their crushing nine-wicket victory over Lanka in the opening match at Dambulla.
