IND vs SL 2017: Virat Kohli credits Pujara for inspiring him to score big hundreds

Kohli has amassed six double tons in Test cricket within a span of just 17 months.

Kohli recorded his career best 243 at his home ground Kotla (Pic. source: BCCI)

India skipper Virat Kohli seems to be in the form of his life as he recorded two consecutive double centuries in the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka at home. It was Kohli’s third double hundred this year (2017) in Test cricket and his sixth overall, which also saw him overtaking the West Indian legend Brian Lara as the skipper with most Test double hundreds.

Amidst all his success in limited-overs cricket, Virat hasn’t forgotten the fact that Test cricket still remains to be the pinnacle. Now that he has started to churn out big scores in the longest format of cricket, the 29-year-old is enjoying his success even more.

"My favourite obviously is Test cricket, we are making sure from every angle that this should be the most important format because as batsman or as bowlers also we know how pleasing it is to score in Test matches, especially when conditions are tough," Kohli said while speaking to Cheteshwar Pujara on Bcci.tv after the end of second day’s play in Kotla on Sunday (December 3).

"You have to counter conditions in South Africa, England, Australia. Job satisfaction is the most in this format. ODI and T20 also from an emotional point of view. When there is a full stadium and you win a close game that gives you a high," he added.

Read More: Cheteshwar Pujara terms Virat Kohli's work ethics as "remarkable"

The humble Indian captain also credited Test specialist Pujara for inspiring him to amass massive scores once get the eye in.

"It feels wonderful. It was always my mindset to score big hundreds, something that I have watched you do a lot in your career early on and learnt also, how to concentrate for longer periods,” said Kohli.

"We have all learnt from his (Pujara) long innings, his concentration levels and his will to keep batting. So I also got inspired by that to keep batting for the team for as long as possible.

"Now I only think of how I can play more for the team and then you know, you don't feel the tiredness and anything else and keep carrying on looking at the situation," he further asserted.

Watch: Virat Kohli's secret behind high fitness level

Talking about the secret of amassing those huge scores, the Delhi lad said he strives to remain in peak physical fitness at all times.

"We know as professional cricketers, we don't have many years. So, we have to make the most of it and I try to stay as fit as possible, take care of my diet, take care of my training and it's paid off well till now,” revealed Kohli.

"In the later half of my career, as we all know it's going to get more difficult. So, I'm trying to put in as much as possible in training now and later on, I can still manage to keep the same kind of intensity,” he explained.

On being asked if he will give it crack at scoring a double ton in ODIs, Kohli said, "Double hundred is not something I can plan. I think maybe if I get to bat early, if the wicket is nice.

"I have come close twice but it's something I can't pinpoint. Rohit has done it twice but I don't think I can play as many shots like him in the latter half of the innings.

"He ended up getting there because he is unstoppable when he goes past 130-140. But I will try to do it if I have enough overs," concluded the Indian captain.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 04 Dec, 2017

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