No pressure on us, we are looking to enjoy the Windies tour: Kohli
INDIA SKIPPER Virat Kohli has thrown his weight behind Ajinkya Rahane and said that he will open alongside Shikhar Dhawan in the upcoming ODI matches against West Indies.
Kohli believes that Rahane, who was benched during the entire Champions Trophy 2017 campaign, plays best as an opener. He wants the Mumbai-lad to play some impressive cricket in the five-match ODI series in the Caribbean. As reported by PTI, Kohli divulged,
“We have Ajinkya who we had as a back-up opener in the Champions Trophy. He will start for sure with Shikhar Dhawan (in West Indies series). He is someone who has done well at the opener’s slot. He has batted in the middle order also but we see him to be more powerful in the opening slot, that is where he can play his game the best. So, during the course of all these five games, Ajinkya will open.”
Although Windies are currently ranked ninth in the ICC rankings table, Kohli insisted that his team will not take any game lightly.
“In international cricket, every game is an opportunity for the players to go out and do something. It improves your confidence whenever you come out at the international level and play. It is not about taking any opposition lightly. You have to come out and play good consistent cricket. It is another series we are looking to play good cricket. I am absolutely certain that the players are committed to playing their best.”
When asked about the team’s mind-set following the loss against Pakistan in the finals of CT17, the 28-year-old said,
“It is a lovely atmosphere to be a part of after a high-profile tournament like the Champions Trophy. It is great to be in a relaxing place. All the players are relaxed and are looking forward to some cricket in the West Indies where cricket is always enjoyed because of the way culture is here. It is pretty relaxed and you are at ease. As such, it is always a nice feeling coming here.”
Kolhi's men will lock horns with Windies in their first ODI at Trinidad, on June 23.
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