WTC Final: ‘We had already qualified in our minds before things got complicated,’ says Virat Kohli

WTC Final: ‘We had already qualified in our minds before things got complicated,’ says Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli

The Indian cricket team reached the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final after finishing at the pole position in the charts during the two-year-long cycle. The Virat Kohli-led side is set to lock horns with New Zealand in the ultimate match of the tournament.

Ahead of the WTC Final, India skipper Virat Kohli revealed that they were confident of reaching the next stage even before the Percentage of Points (POP) system was introduced. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had amended the qualification rules amidst the coronavirus pandemic as many bilateral series were called off.  

“It wasn’t supposed to be a topsy turvy ride, to be honest. When you were sitting at home and the rules changed suddenly and you got confused about what happened,” Virat Kohli said.

“Without anyone’s control, we did not miss or choose to miss any series through the course of this WTC. We pretty much played everything that was there and presented to us,” said Kohli while replying to a query from ANI during a virtual press conference.

‘Change in points system gave us more determination and clarity’

Indian Test Team
Indian Test Team

The India skipper asserted that the change in the situation made the team more hungry, determined and gave a better clarity. 

“In our mind, we had qualified before things got complicated anyway. However, that just gave us more determination and more clarity as to where we want to go and what we want to achieve. So looking back now probably was a good thing that happened as there was no room for complacency,” said Virat Kohli.

“If we would have qualified earlier maybe we would have relaxed a little bit. The situation allowed us to be more hungry and more determined and know exactly what was going to be and we used that as a fueling factor and motivation to keep moving forward,” he added.

The all-important WTC Final between India and New Zealand will take place from June 18 to June 22 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, England. 

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