World T20: Virat Kohli Feels Emotional To Win Pakistan Match For India in Front of Sachin Tendulkar

Virat Kohli, after guiding India to a six-wicket win over Pakistan on Saturday in Kolkata, said he felt emotionally overwhelmed to have done it in front of the iconic Sachin Tendulkar. (Virat Kohli Fifty Helps India Make it 5-0 vs Pakistan in World T20s)

Kohli's unbeaten 37-ball 55 helped India overahul a target of 119 in 18 overs last night to continue their winning run against Pakistan in ICC events. (Why Pakistan Can Never Beat India in World Cups - Kumar Sangakkara, Sunil Gavaskar Explain)

The swashbuckling right-hander said to have played the knock with Tendulkar in attendance added to his happiness. (World T20: Virat Kohli Dedicates Fifty vs Pakistan to Sachin Tendulkar; Thank You, Says Master Blaster)

"I can't express the feeling...Sachin Tendulkar was up there in the stands. I have seen Sachin paaji do that for India for years together and seen how people shout for him. I have gotten a chance to do it in front of him and he was celebrating," Kohli told 'bcci.tv'.

"I cannot explain that feeling as a youngster who has grown up playing cricket because of him. To be able to do it in front of him and give him happiness. I am very grateful for it and it was a very emotional moment," he said.

Virat Kohli said he started playing after watching Sachin Tendulkar.

© AFP

'Have to stay positive'

India lost the tournament-opener to New Zealand in Nagpur and Kohli said it is imperative for the team to win the remaining two matches against Australia and Bangladesh.

"I think this is a perfect catalyst for us going forward into this tournament. You have to stay positive, no matter what. That is the name of the game in international cricket. There is nothing you can do about a bad loss, but what you have to do is learn from it, and come out positive," he said.

"When you are sitting in that room, you want to be the guy that makes the difference in the game and win the game for the team single-handedly. If all eleven guys can think like that, then the team is in a good space," he added.

'Disappointed after New Zealand loss'

Speaking of the opening loss, Kohli said he was disappointed with himself for not doing enough in the match.

"Last game, I was really disappointed with myself. I got out on 25 (23), I wanted to win the game for the team but that is how cricket goes sometimes. I knew if I had batted till 40 -45 runs, we could have pulled that game out of trouble and we could have won that one as well. It doesn't happen every time," he said.

"I was really disappointed after that loss. I went back to the room and thought about what needs to be done. Tonight, we were in a similar situation in this game. But such games and situations just improve you as a cricketer and I look forward to challenges like these."

Asked what his mindset was going into Saturday's match, Kohli said, "I told myself in the change room that I am going to back myself to play good cricketing shots."

"This works for me in all situations. I remain pretty calm. Luckily my heart rate was low (smiles) when we lost three wickets, it could have shot up as it was a big game and a full stadium at the Eden Gardens. I am just grateful I was able to do it," he added.