Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill
Kohli made the comments after producing a match-winning 139 not out in India’s emphatic eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the first ODI in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. The veteran batter struck his 55th ODI century, while Gill also reached three figures, scoring 110 as India chased down the West Indies’ 296-run target with ease. The second-wicket pair put on 151 runs after Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 32, registering their fifth century partnership in ODIs.
Virat Kohli has dismissed the rumours circulating on social media about unrest within the Indian dressing room, insisting that the atmosphere under captain Shubman Gill remains “warm and healthy”. Their association was not just about the runs, though. The two were seen sharing several light-hearted moments during their stay at the crease, with the banter and laughter continuing until the closing stages of the match.
Because in need to get numbers, you will end up compromising on the main goal. “You can only play for that long if you are looking to make the team win. You can’t play for that long for numbers. And you can’t play for long in that manner. I’m lucky to have been in this position for so long, and of course, a big number like that to tick it off along the way to another win is really special,” added Kohli.
He said the presence of senior players and leaders who are relaxed and enjoying themselves helps the rest of the squad feel comfortable as well. I’m now a senior player, so when senior players or the leaders are in the team are smiling, laughing, all the other players feel like ‘Yeah man, there’s no problem at all’,” Kohli said in a video posted by BCCI. Despite the latest statistical milestone, Kohli said his approach has always been centred on helping India win rather than chasing individual numbers.
For Kohli, that on-field camaraderie reflects the mood within the Indian camp as the team builds towards next year’s World Cup in South Africa. “I have known him since the time he came into the team. I’ve always shared a very free-flowing and fun-filled camaraderie with him. At the end of the day, you make a conscious effort. Now he is in a leadership position; I’ve been in that position for a long time. He believes longevity at the highest level is possible only when personal achievements remain secondary to the team’s objective.