Stand-in skipper Virat Kohli stresses on positive mindset ahead of Australia Tests
With Virat Kohli all set to lead the Test side for the first time against Australia, the stand-in captain pressed on the need to be positive Down Under. The 26-year-old stated that the side that left for Australia in the early hours of Saturday is going into the tour with the aim of winning the Test series.
"Right now the mood in the team is very positive, we are focusing on being aggressive and having that mindset throughout as a habit rather than fading out in six months' time," Kohli was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
The batting superstar conceded that the last tour of Australia (2011/12), in which India were whitewashed 4-0, was indeed a tough one. The Delhi lad wants to draw inspiration from his exploits in South Africa.
"Last tour to Australia was a strong change," Kohli said. "I never experienced the aggression and that kind of an atmosphere. I will try to impart that experience to other players of what to expect and what sort of mindset to go with. Once we go with a negative mindset that will keep catching up. You have to be positive every single day. That is something we will focus on going in this tour.
"The way I batted in South Africa Tests, personally they were quite memorable for me. I am hopeful that experience will count. It helps mentally as well because you have performed well in difficult conditions," Kohli remarked.
India have been in awful form on recent away tripis, losing 4-0 to both England and Australia in 2011 and surrendering the recent 5-match England Test series, 3-1, despite taking a 1-0 lead after a miraculous victory in the second Test at Lord’s. But that hasn’t prevented Kohli from being hopeful of winning on Australian soil.
"We have a good chance of beating Australia in their home ground. We've done it before. I don't see why we can't do it again," said Kohli.
You will see an experienced captain in Brisbane: Ravi Shastri
With the regular Indian captain missing the first Test due to a finger injury, India will be hopeful for the determined Kohli to lead India in the best possible manner. Speaking on Kohli, Ravi Shastri, the Team Director, said the man will act as a well experienced skipper.
"We have no choice. MS has hardly missed a match in the last so many years. He has played every format for the last so many years, so it's only fair that he gives himself time to be fully fit and come back," Shastri said.
"Meanwhile, you have to go with what you have. Virat's leading the side and it might be his first Test match as captain but I can assure you, you will see a guy who you feel has led in 20 to 25 Test matches," he added.
Australia series will help WC preparations: Kohli
The full fledged series against the Aussies in their own backyard ahead of the ICC World Cup can help the Indians getting a glimpse into what to expect during the showpiece event in Australia & New Zealand.
"It will definitely help us during the World Cup. However, right now our focus is only on the Test series. We will think about the World Cup at the time of the tri-series," Kohli said.
"But obviously playing in a place where the World Cup is going to be held in a few months' time will definitely be helpful. We can plan for the World Cup better and this is like a blessing that we will get a chance to prepare better for it. We will not be surprised when we go to the World Cup as to the kind of wickets we will get. It is a very good thing for us".