Virat Kohli opens up about the new ODI rules
India's man of the moment, Virat Kohli said that recent changes in the fielding rules have made it difficult for the batsmen to score runs in the final overs, reports IBNLive.
According to the new International Cricket Council powerplay rules in one-day internationals (ODI), a total of five fielders are allowed to field outside the 30-yard circle in the last 10 overs. It really helps the bowling side to curb run flow.
While addressing the press conference ahead of the fifth and final ODI match against South Africa at the Wankhede Stadium, Kohli said: "It has become difficult for the batsman in ODIs compared to the rules in the past, specially in the sub-continent. The reason is the ball is getting rough and old and not having too much pace, and thus difficult to get to the boundaries."
Kohli said now players need to run more to score extra runs because of the new rules. He believed it will be less tougher to add runs outside the sub-continent as the grounds are bigger.
"I think it won't be difficult to play outside the sub continent because it won't be a bad game being five fielders outside the circle, more chances to rotate strike. It will be interesting to see how the rule work abroad.
“With change of games, more of running between the wickets need to be done to get the scoring on way. It has become difficult specially in the late part of the innings," he explained.
The 26-year-old batsman played a marvellous innings of 138 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium during the fourth ODI match. It helped India level the five-match ODI series by 2-2.
"Winning the last game gave us a lot of confidence. Mood is very good in the camp. We haven't played collective cricket before the last game. And the win did help us. We have figured out what needs to be done. Everyone has got runs under their belt and which is important and is good for us," Kohli added.
Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium will be hosting the series decider on October 25. Speaking about the final match venue, Kohli said that the Mumbai game will be interesting considering the conditions there.
"This Wankhede pitch should have more carry and bounce. The match will be interesting to watch with the wicket having pace and we are ready to play an exciting game," he said.
Besides Kohli, it was AB de Villiers who made a statement by his stunning performances in the Chennai game. He scored his second century of the series in that match and almost took the game away from India.
De Villiers and Kohli play together for Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kohli said that they know each other very well now and getting De Villiers out with a planned attack when he is in a great form is very difficult.
"Everyone has the ability to play cricket but he is different. I know him closely. He is an adorable person. I am glad that I am not a bowler. We have a few plans for every batsman. But to have plans for AB, is a bit difficult as he is in superb form.
"We have plans and we can execute them, but since he is in form, he just might nullify them. I am confident our bowlers will be charged up to execute the plans and give their best,” Kohli concluded.