Kohli not taking place in World Cup squad for granted
He strutted his stuff by striking a match-winning century against Australia but Virat Kohli is not taking his place in India's World Cup squad for granted.
He strutted his stuff by striking a match-winning century against Australia but Virat Kohli is not taking his place in India's World Cup squad for granted.
The Delhi middle-order batsman had scored his maiden ODI ton to help India win the second match in Vishakapatnam, which eventually handed the series to the hosts.
India is yet to finalise its World Cup squad and Kohli has put up his hand by his tremendous batting but the young batsman is still unsure whether he will make the cut.
"It is difficult to say that my place is secure in the Indian team. My career is at a very early stage. Everyone dreams of playing in the World Cup and it is my dream as well. I just need to perform consistently," Kohli told reporters here.
India dominated the recent Australian tour as they blanked Australia 2-0 in the Test rubber and 1-0 in the one-dayers. India's next assignment is against New Zealand, who were trounced 4-0 by Bangladesh in the ODIs but Kohli said they will not take the Kiwis lightly.
"We had a good Test and ODI series against Australia and we will try to give our best against New Zealand as well. I don't know whether it would be a complete whitewash or not.
"New Zealand had played well in Sri Lanka. Bangladesh took them by surprise. They had toured Bangladesh after a very long time and hence found it difficult. We are not taking them lightly. We cannot predict how the series will go but if we play well we will win," Kohli said.
The Delhi batsman said the Cricket Board's decision to give youngsters a chance by resting senior players, in a bid to increase bench strength, was a step in the right direction.
"It is great to have players (waiting in the line) who are skillful and talented in the line-up. It gives the scene of competition and urges you to do well. If you don't perform, obviously someone else will get the call," he said.
Kohli said the presence of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag in the squad, was crucial to India's chances of doing well in the World Cup.