Handling ourselves off field will be crucial, says Kohli

With 10 wins out 11 matches, India’s on-field plans have worked as per the script and star batsman Virat Kohli feels that it is imperative to maintain composure off-the field as they deal with massive expectations in their quest for a second ICC World T20 title.

“In all these major events, the skill required is how you manage yourself off the field. On the field, it’s probably the safest and quietest place for you, especially playing in your home country,” Kohli said at the pre-match media conference ahead of their opening encounter against New Zealand.

“Field is where you get away and is the place where you face the least pressure in big tournaments like these where you have a chance to express yourself,” stated Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s deputy. “The key would be how to manage yourself away off the ground. That requires a collective effort from everyone. No one can afford to drift away. Rather than focussing on the strategy of other teams, we should rather focus on ourselves,” said Kohli.

The 27-year-old agreed that with so much being written, shown and talked about, it is very difficult to ignore all that. “It’s very difficult to ignore each and everything that’s been said to you. Actually, people will come up to you and say we really want you to win the World Cup. At home, we expect that and are prepared for it.”