India vs New Zealand 2019: Kiwis Plays The Game In A Right Manner - Virat Kohli

Well, it has been a brilliant past few days for the Indian Skipper Virat Kohli. He has come across a long way by bagging certain glorious records in his kitty. Meanwhile, in an interview with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, he spoke on the competitiveness of New Zealand and their way of playing the game in a good spirit.

According to the skipper of India, he believes that the hosts New Zealand has always maintained a great balance between the competitiveness and respecting the opponents. He also spoke on the mutual respect between the players.

Further, Virat Kohli went on to add saying that himself and also his side love to travel New Zealand for its calmness and relaxing atmosphere. He also lauds the fans for their gentlemen behaviour while asking for the selfies or autographs.

“[New Zealand] are probably one team that plays in the absolute right manner. But their body language and their intensity is right up there which I feel is the perfect balance for any sports team. There is so much to learn from them, in terms of their competitiveness but at the same time, respecting the opponents, maintaining friendships as well. We’re quite close to a lot of the boys because we play IPL together and we get along really, really well with them. That has been maintained for years because of mutual respect. The cricket is competitive but it’s very, very enjoyable.”

 “We always love coming to New Zealand. It’s a beautiful part of the world, and probably one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Very calming, very relaxing, and you get places like this to practise which is quite remarkable. It’s a place we all enjoy our cricket. But I think New Zealand is one place where even when people come for autographs or pictures, they never too forthcoming — they never force you to do anything. They have a good concept of respecting your space which I really like,” he added.

I play the game for joy and my passion for the country:

He also spoke on the joy that he gets while playing for the country and also his passion to win it for Indian National Cricket Team. Virat Kohli went on to say adding that he can dive for every run if his team requires him to do that.

”I play the game because of the joy that I have when I play on the field. Purely the love of the game, and the passion that I have of playing for my country. If I get attached to stats, that means my graph is going down and there is something wrong in my head. I personally cannot play with that kind of mindset. I cannot stand on the field thinking ‘I have to do something for myself.’ For me, diving every ball for my team is what matters more than thinking about how many runs I have scored.” 

Currently, Virat Kohli is leading the side against New Zealand. He will be leaving back home, once he finishes his participation in the 3rd ODI game at Bay Oval. In his absence, Rohit Sharma will lead the side.

Recently, Virat Kohli became the first player in history to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy. And also, ICC Cricketer of the Year, the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year and the ICC ODI Player of the Year awards following an extraordinary 2018.