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Virat Kohli became 12th Indian cricketer to play 100 Tests when he took the field at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali. Once again, Kohli could not breach the three figures but shared a crucial partnership for the third wicket with India’s new no.3 Hanuma Vihari. After Day 1’s play, Kohli revealed that he felt nervous before stepping on the field and felt like he was making his debut all over again.
"It felt like I am making my debut. Had butterflies in my stomach, did feel very nervous," the former Indian skipper said.
Kohli was also asked about his inability to convert starts into big scores in last two years or whether he would like to make some changes in his process.
"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," the Delhi-born batters told reporters.
Kohli lost his wicket to left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya as he got bowled for a score of 45. Kohli admitted that he needs to convert these 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," the 33-year-old said.
Despite the century drought, Kohli said that he was proud of how he has maintained his fitness during Covid-19 times where players have to quarantine and stay within the boundaries of strict bio-bubble to prevent the risk of contracting the virus.
"It's not an easy environment to get away from game and work on things you need to finetune… It's been tough playing three formats and IPL for so long. Proud of how I have handled my physique, my body," he explained.
Before Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first on his captaincy debut in the red-ball format, Kohli was felicitated by current head coach and Kohli's childhood hero Rahul Dravid with specially made Test cap.
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