Virat Kohli on 100th Test: “Felt like I am making my debut, had butterflies in my stomach”

Virat Kohli had “butterflies” in his stomach and “felt nervous” like a debutant when he walked out to bat 100th Test but he isn’t bothered by the lack of hundreds as he believes he is batting well. Kohli scored 45 and looked set prior to being bowled by Lasith Embuldeniya on the opening day of India’s first Test vs Sri Lanka here on Friday. “I am preparing as I have always prepared. As long as I am batting well, I am not bothered. We are somehow crazy about milestones and materialistic achievements,” Kohli told mediapersons when inquired as to whether he wants to return to his process since big runs have dried up.

“It felt like I am making my debut. Had butterflies in my stomach, did feel very nervous,” he said.

However, he conceded that he needs to convert his starts.

“Obviously disappointed as I got a good start. I was batting well. You obviously feel disappointed as a batsman. Endeavour is always to make sure to play a big innings for the team and put the team in a strong position,” he said.

One of the pertinent points that he raised was that in a post-COVID-19 world, there is almost no time left for course correction when one needs to do it.

“It’s not an easy environment to get away from game and work on things you need to finetune,” Kohli added.

“It’s been tough playing three formats and IPL for so long. Proud of how I have handled my physique, my body.”