Virat Kohli always wanted to be one of the best cricketers, says hard work paid off

Ever since Virat Kohli dreamed of becoming a cricketer, he wanted to be the counted as one of the best in the world. The captain of the Indian cricket team says that he very well realised the importance of consistent performance in all three formats of the game to be able to make the dream come true.

Kohli, who became the first Indian to win the Polly Umrigar award for BCCI's International Cricketer of the Year thrice, said that even though he was surrounded by people who doubted his abilities, he always believed in himself.

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"I always believed in my heart that if I work 120 per cent every day in my life I am answerable to no one," he told TOI.

He applauded his team-mates for their support and contribution in bringing team India where it is, adding that in the last 12 months he has seen his career breakthrough.

"It is been quite unbelievable in the last 10 to 12 months. As cricketers you always have a breakthrough year for everyone. Starting late 2015 to the end of 2016, probably I could term is as the breakthrough year in my career. All the hard work, all the training on a daily basis, all the sacrifices, came together nicely. It could not have been possible without the help of the team-mates throughout," he added.

"At times you don't do well but when the champion players in your side step up and everyone delivers what when you start producing results.

"That is why we are the top side in the world at the moment, and it is testimony to the kind of talent we have in the team and how players have stepped up on occasions which helped the team pull through different situations. I thank my team-mates for their support, trust and effort," Kohli said.

The Indian skipper believes that the reason behind team India’s success in the last one year lies in its care-free attitude and belief.

"That is the attitude I have adopted since late 2015 when I stopped putting pressure on myself. I told myself I am working hard enough, I have the talent and I have the ability. I am going to go and express myself, but if I get an opportunity I make sure that I win games," he added.

On being made the captain, he said, "I am thankful to BCCI for the kind of position it has put me in. I take this as an opportunity. I don't take this as a job. It is an opportunity and a responsibility. I need to do right things, set right examples and follow certain path that the whole team believes in," he said.

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Lastly, when asked about the 75-run come-back-win over Australia in the second Test concluded recently, he said, "It was good that we came back in the game. We were all sticking together. That (win) was very special and one of the best I have been part of."

(Image source: SouthLive)