Chennai: The latest controversy in Indian cricket is the allegation that players are queuing up to sign with Cornerstone that manages Virat Kohli. The sports management firm has already clarified that Kohli is just its client and not a stakeholder. Reports also suggested that the BCCI would be introducing ‘Code of Ethics’ for players regarding conflict of interest.
Asked about his response, Kohli said he was fine with the BCCI proposal. “I am sure if they want us to execute something, they have given a lot of thought to it. I am in no position to debate or comment on it because that is not my decision. If something is decided by the BCCI, it is in the best interest of players and the people concerned. I am absolutely fine with that,” he said.
Apart from expressing excitement about playing his first full-fledged series as captain, in Sri Lanka, Kohli also spoke on a variety of subjects before leaving for the three-Test tour, on Monday.
Excerpts:
On playing five bowlers including three spinners: That could be a big possibility. The idea is to take 20 wickets and that's the only way you win a Test match. I strongly believe that you need to have your best bowlers playing in the XI to give the team the best chance to do that. The whole idea of having five bowlers means the top-6 has to take more responsibility. We have people like Ashwin, Bhuvi and Harbhjan who are very handy with the bat. Ashwin averages 40 in Test cricket and I don’t see any reason why he can’t be a better all-rounder for us. It’s all about giving people goals and asking them to improve on certain aspects.
On learning the sweep shot from India ‘A’ coach Rahul Dravid: Sweeping is one aspect of my game that I always wanted to improve. I played it a lot in Australia and figured out that playing on turning wicket you need to have that as a batsman to tackle different situations. Rahul bhai was helping from the sidelines. It was helpful having Rahul closely monitoring what I was doing. He has been very helpful in the last five days. I’m glad to have played the tour game and it was good preparation.
On aggression: The last time India played a Test series there in 2010, ‘mystery spinner’ Ajantha Mendis was a big revelation. He was troubling Indian batsmen. In the Galle Test, Viru bhai took him on. He played him more like a leg spinner. That's exactly what we spoke about a couple of days ago with Rahul bhai. He played him differently to other people and that sometimes is the difference. Rahul felt it was the best innings of Sehwag. I saw the whole innings. Even with the lower order, he batted positively.
