Dharamsala: Virat Kohli says his fighting half-century last week in the Delhi One-dayer was the kind of knock he needed to overcome the first lean patch of his otherwise prolific career.
Kohli has endured a prolonged slump in form since the England tour, where he failed to score a single fifty in four Test matches. Speaking to reporters ahead of the fourth ODI between India and the West Indies, Kohli the break he took during the Champions League event did him a world of good as he could work on his game.
"Having that break in between was really good. I worked hard on the areas I needed to work on. Last two games I went in with a clear head. For me it doesn't matter if I get out playing the same shot again and again, at least I am feeling clear and confident in the mind. I just needed that one innings and that came in the last game," said Kohli referring to his 62-run knock at Kotla.
Experts and media blasted him for repeatedly getting caught behind on moving balls outside the off-stump. Kohli found all of that criticism funny.
"It is funny," an amused Kohli said when asked about the criticism on his technique.
"The moment I don't score runs in two three innings, people tell me you are due for a big score. They totally forget the fact that for the last four-five years I have been consistent in all formats. And I am not trying to show off or something, that's my nature. That's how I like to play my cricket (to keep scoring). People need to respect that we are humans and not machines," said the 25-year-old, who averages 40 in Tests and 50 plus in ODIS.
On a philosophical note, Kohli said the barren run taught him also about people and life. "You will have a bad patch eventually and in those times you get to know the people who are ready to support you and people who are ready to rip you apart. I have learnt a lot, I have seen people change completely, 360 degrees, and that's not surprising actually.
"I had only heard about it and now I have seen it myself. In a way it is a pleasant thing. I feel much more stronger and If I feel my cricket is going to improve further," he said.
