Kohli cool and calm ahead of the semi-final contest against Black Caps
Indian captain, Virat Kohli says his team are ready to shift their mindset as the team fine tunes their preparations for the business end of the competition.
India faces New Zealand in the tournament’s first semi-final at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
While both sides focus on the task at hand, a reunion featuring the leaders of both teams presents a fascinating backstory.
Kohli admitted he could never have predicted that he and Black Caps skipper, Kane Williamson would be lining up against one another as captain in an ICC Men’s World Cup semi-final, 11 years after doing so at Under-19 level.
That contest took place in Malaysia in back in 2008, an occasion notable for Kohli dismissing Williamson in a three-wicket success.
Since then, the pair have combined to score 33840 international runs and 99 centuries.
“It's a really nice memory and we'll both feel good about knowing that this is happening and no-one, neither me nor him, could have ever anticipated that one day this will happen,” Kohli said.
READ: Virat Kohli the best in the world
Back to matters on the field, Kohli says his team are well equipped to deal with finer margins which come at this stage of the competition.
“If I have to be totally honest, league stages, when you know that you need a victory to qualify, the team is a bit more relaxed and you know you can go out then and try a few things. But I think knockout games you need to be very precise at the same time being intense,” Kohli said.
He continued, “This is more similar to, you know, the toughest situations you get in Test cricket where you have to be absolutely precise but your intent cannot go down so decision-making will be crucial.”
India are overwhelming favourites to progress but Kohli said the Kiwi’s possess the firepower to beat any team on their day.
“New Zealand were in the final last time and they know how to play knockout games, they have had a wonderful World Cup again. So they are a quality side,” Kohli concluded.
Keep up to date with the latest Cricket World Cup action with Myron Naicker as he brings us exclusive updates from England. Find the latest update in the podcast channel below:
