In-form Indian preaches importance of sticking to processes and not "disrespecting the sport"
Remarkable Kohli breaking new ground
Virat Kohli has spoken in detail about his remarkable acceleration at the back-end of an innings in the wake of his extraordinary century for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL overnight.
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In a record-breaking partnership with AB de Villiers, Kohli was 52 not out from 41 balls with three overs remaining against Rising Pune Supergiants.
From the next 13 deliveries he faced, he smashed 57 runs, including seven sixes and two fours.
Kohli has built his phenomenal limited-overs record largely on his ability to chase down whatever score his side is set, however this display was a reminder that the man many consider to be the world's best in the shorter formats is capable of serious destruction at any time.
"I am surprising myself a little bit here, to be honest", Kohli told IPLT20.com after his 109 from 55 balls.
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"I don't mind playing run-a-ball for the first 20-25 balls because I know that I can get 40-45 runs in the next 15 balls. Nowadays I back myself to do that.
"Now I believe more in my ability to hit sixes or pick gaps for boundaries in the final overs. It is pretty much how I approach an ODI innings – play with caution initially and then go for the big shots."
Kohli, India's Test captain, is in such superb form that he is having to remind himself not to "disrespect the sport".
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"During the last match (against Mumbai Indians) I told Dan (Vettori, RCB's head coach) that I felt like I could hit every ball of the first over from Tim Southee for a six," he explained.
"But I stopped myself because I don't want to disrespect the sport. I want to build my innings in the same way every time I go in to bat.
"Sometimes I will get out, like I did in the last game, but as long as I know that I wasn't getting ahead of myself, I am OK.
"Once you start taking the sport and your form for granted, a bad patch comes in and it makes you chase after every single run. And trust me, it is the worst feeling. Yes, you have to have confidence and faith in your ability, but at the same time, balance it out with respect for the sport and the willingness to do the same thing again and again each time you go out to bat."