Virat Kohli Says Winning, Not Personal Records, Has Always Been His Goal

Thiruvananthapuram — India batting star Virat Kohli said personal milestones have never been his primary motivation, stressing that his focus throughout his career has been on helping the team win from difficult situations.

Kohli crossed the 15,000-run mark in One-Day Internationals during the first ODI against the West Indies at Greenfield International Stadium, scoring an unbeaten 139 for his 55th century in the format.

He became only the second player in men’s ODI history to reach 15,000 runs, joining Sachin Tendulkar.

“Of course, I mean, if you look at it from a numbers perspective, it’s a big number. But the goal is simple – to try and make the team win from difficult situations, and different situations,” Kohli said in a video posted Monday on the BCCI’s social media accounts.

“That’s what I’ve tried to do over the years. You can only play for that long if you’re looking to make the team win. You can’t play for that long for numbers because in need to get numbers, you will compromise on the main goal and you can’t play for long in that manner.”

Kohli added that reaching the milestone while contributing to another Indian victory made the achievement especially meaningful.

“So I’m lucky to have been in this position for so long. Of course, a big number like that to take it off along the way to another win is quite special,” he said.

Kohli also spoke about his relationship with captain Shubman Gill, who scored 110 in the match, saying the two have developed an easy and relaxed understanding over the years.

“I’ve known him since the time he came into the team. I’ve always shared like a very free flowing and a very fun filled camaraderie with him,” Kohli said.

He said senior players and team leaders have a responsibility to keep the atmosphere relaxed, even in high-pressure situations.

“Now he’s in a leadership position. I’ve been in that position for a long time and now I’m a senior player. So, when senior players or the leaders in the team are smiling, laughing, keeping the environment light, all the other players feel like, yes, there’s no problem.”

Kohli said that approach allows players to remain calm while maintaining professionalism on the field.

“Like, even if it’s a big pressure game, everyone’s laughing. So it just relaxes all the other guys because we are not taking pressure. We are showing that it’s fine. We can smile and have a good laugh, but be professional on the field,” he said.

Discussing their batting partnerships, Kohli said he and Gill generally do not need lengthy conversations because both understand their roles.

“When you bat with a player like that, we don’t talk much about the match – we talk about the other and different things because he knows what to do and I know what to do,” Kohli said.

He added that he occasionally offers advice based on his experience but said more tactical discussions take place while fielding.

“But batting with him, you don’t need to say much because he knows what to do. Of course, he’s got great skill,” Kohli said.

Kohli also praised Gill’s leadership qualities, saying his ability to understand the game was one reason he had been entrusted with the captaincy.

“There’s a reason why he’s leading the team because he has the right perspective to look at the game in a way that he can make the team win,” Kohli said.

Gill, meanwhile, said it was special to be at the non-striker’s end when Kohli reached 15,000 ODI runs.

“Very happy – growing up, I never thought I’ll be alongside Virat bhai when he completes his 15,000 runs in ODIs,” Gill said.

“From watching him and idolising him, seeing what makes him so special and then being on the crease with him and sharing those moments, I think the journey has been great so far and hopefully it’s going to be even better memories that we share.”

Gill added that Kohli’s enjoyment and confidence were evident both on and off the field.

“We can all see how much Virat bhai is enjoying his betting right now and I think whether be the banter on the field or off the field, the ease and the confidence that he’s batting with right now, it also translates from off field to on field,” he said. (Source: IANS)