JOIN USVirat Kohli, the key man behind RCB’s terrific comeback last season, is set to play his first game of this edition on Friday. The skipper said though it was irritating to be out of action due to an injury, the break has helped him reignite the spark in the game.
On the eve of his team’s tie against the Mumbai Indians, Kohli spoke on the team combination, the team’s form, Gayle’s exclusion in the previous game and more at the pre-match press conference. Excerpts
On his return: It’s almost been a month (away from cricket). It’s never a good feeling when you have played for seven-eight years without missing a game at all. Taking rest is different but missing a game because of injury is different. I am just delighted and excited to take the field. May be it (break) was just to reignite that spark in me. When you play a lot of cricket, that tends to go down. So now I am more excited to take the field.
On his recovery: I came to Bengaluru the next day after the inaugural tie because I wanted to start practising soon. I stayed back here to do strength work for my shoulder and didn’t travel with the team (to Indore). I had one hit as well. It was a concious decision because once you travel with the team there is a lot happening and to focus on one guy is not fair. You rather stay away and work. I wanted to let the guys focus on their game. I actually enjoyed staying away a bit. Not having the camera when sitting in the dug out. That was quite refreshing.
On Gayle’s exclusion against Punjab: When you want to create a combination, you are thrown in all the names. Chris has always been a priority for us. Last game was a scenario when AB (de Villiers) came in, Watto (Shane Watson) was the captain and other two guys were bowling well. So it was difficult to leave the other three out and AB is a no-brainer. But what works for us in Bengaluru will definitely be considered and Chris is a big contender to be playing the home games for us.
On de Villiers skipping practice: He was happier playing with his kid I guess. He had a decent last last game and he just wanted to have a few days off because his family is here. With AB, you don't question anything because he understands his game better than anyone. We are not bothered with his practicing session today.
DH News Service