Virat Kohli said he is happy, excited and having fun playing cricket again after regaining his form at the Asia Cup 2022, adding that taking a break isn’t a bad thing.
The right-handed batting stalwart was away from cricket for a month and a half, before returning to the Asia Cup 2022 with two consecutive half centuries, including a knock of 60 off 44 balls against Pakistan in India’s Super Four loss.
Read More: Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan undergoes scan on injured right knee
“I didn’t think I’d go a month without touching my bat, but the situation became such that I had to take a break. More mentally than physically. Then you realise when you bat again after a month why you started playing the game. That (realisation) is lost at times, the way people look at you, cheer for you when you’re at the ground, at such times you can lose that realisation,” he said.
Read More: Experts question Pant’s reckless shot-selection in India’s loss to Pakistan
When asked if his form at the Asia Cup 2022 would be enough to should silence critics, Kohli replied, “I’ve never paid attention to these things (outside criticism), to be honest. I’ve played for 14 years; it doesn’t happen by chance. My job is to work hard on my game, something I’m always keen to do. Keen to improve my game for the team. That’s something I’m going to continue to do so.”
Read More: Pakistan beat India by 5 wickets in thrilling match
“Everyone’s doing their job eventually. Our job is to play the game, work hard, give our 120%, and I’ve said it in the past that as long as I am doing that and the team has faith in that, what happens in the change room is the only thing that matters to us and to me as well personally. People have their opinions and that’s absolutely fine, that doesn’t change my happiness as a person.”
“I’ve taken some time away, put things into perspective, it’s given me the relaxation that this isn’t the be-all-and-end-all of life, I need to enjoy the game. I can’t put myself under so much pressure of expectation that I’m not able to express myself. That is not why I started playing this game.”
Read More: Barbados beat St Lucia Kings; Patriots game abandoned
“I was able to find that excitement back, when I came here, the environment was very welcoming. The camaraderie with the boys is amazing. The environment within the team is amazing, so I’m absolutely loving playing at the moment all over again and feeling good the way I’m batting.”
