Virat Kohli (POTM): "I was about to ask you to keep the interview short, obviously, I am very tired. I am always ready to contribute to the team in different ways.
Today, KL Rahul got to a good start and my job was to rotate the strike. I take a lot of pride in pushing for easy runs, you know, pushing for a double is easy for me rather to go for a big shot.
Because, I had crossed the 100 already, there was a bit of respect for that shot (the one Virat played cheekily opening the face of the bat at the last moment in the third man direction). Usually, you don't see me playing those shots and it looks bad, very bad when I play those. Both KL and me are conventional stroke players, we don't really try to be fancy but we do get a lot of runs via our traditional cricketing shots. It was a good partnership and definitely a good sign for Indian cricket. Not only in this tournament but also with World Cup coming up. Very happy for him (KL Rahul) and it was great to see him hitting the form straightaway.
I was pushing for runs, I am very happy for that but at one stage, I was thinking that I have a game tomorrow at 3 PM. Luckily, we are Test players, I personally have crossed 100 Tests and so I know how to come back and play again on the next day. It was hot out there, coming November I would be 35 and hence I need to take care of my body. I know, I will be recovering and playing again tomorrow (chuckles).
And yeah, a loud shout out to all the groundsmen for the work they have put in to make this game possible. They did a fantastic job."