Mumbai: After getting a new head coach after some confusion and support staff after more confusion, Team India gear up for a full tour to Sri Lanka. The Virat Kohli led side under new head coach Ravi Shastri left for Sri Lanka from here on Wednesday. India play three Tests, five ODIs and a Twenty20 with the first Test starting in Galle on July 26.
Kohli knows well anything less than a win for the no.1 ranked Test side against the struggling hosts will invite more criticism after having his way in the appointment of new coach. Kohli has been more in the news for his fallout with former coach Anil Kumble which became public during the Champions Trophy in England. Following which Kumble quit after his one-year contract expired as Indian coach.
“I don’t think there is any added pressure. As a team we aspire to achieve. Everyone has faced hard times. I don’t take any added pressure. I continue to take responsibility till the time I am captain. You just need to take care of your mindset,” Kohli said.
The right handed stylish batsman who led India successfully to a 2-1 win over Sri Lanka in 2015 in his first major test as full time Test skipper called the series a landmark for Indian cricket.
“That tour (Sri Lanka in 2015) for us was landmark tour. Losing first Test was a shock but they way we bounced back showed the team culture created at that time. We showed more belief in our abilities and our mindset changed. It showed us that we can win away from home, we do have a side and culture to win,” said Kohli while recalling the previous Sri Lanka tour when Shastri was the Team Director.
Kohli revealed that working with Shastri in the past will help and he is focused as a player on the field and not worried about happenings out off the field.
“We have worked together before (2014-16). I don’t think I need to understand anything else. I know what’s expected and what’s on the plate. I don’t think it will require any effort.
“I have control over things on the field I continue to do so. Speculations are not in my control and criticism is something I have learned to live with. I try bringing the best of out of the team with support from management,” Kohli said. Regarding communication between players and support staff, Kohli said, “Understanding and communication apply on everything. It applies to any relationship and not just cricket.”
