'I don't have desperation anymore'- Virat Kohli credits new mindset for recent successes in batting

Virat Kohli (Image source: Twitter)

On Sunday, star India batter Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 166 runs, helping the team secure a 317-run victory over Sri Lanka in the One Day International (ODI) match in Thiruvananthapuram. This victory marked the highest-ever margin of victory in an ODI. Despite this achievement, Kohli stated that he is not overly focused on personal milestones.

Kohli's third century in his last four matches, along with a century from opener Shubman Gill, propelled India to a formidable 390-5 score. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj also contributed to the victory with impressive figures of 4-32, as India's bowlers successfully dismissed the Sri Lankan team for only 73 runs in 22 overs. With this win, India swept the three-match series 3-0 and surpassed New Zealand's 290-run victory over Ireland in 2008.

Following India’s 3-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka, Kohli was in an ecstatic mood and claimed that the positive results are due to his intent.

"It (the awards) is the by-product of the intent I have," Kohli, who hit his 46^th ODI hundred said after being awarded the Player of the Match. "Mindset is always to help the team as much as I can, bat for as long as possible, and put the team in a strong position. I have always played for the right reasons, help the team as much as possible." Kohli also accredited the break that he took in order to regain form.

"Ever since I came back from the break, I am feeling good and I don't have desperation anymore to get to a milestone," Kohli said.

I was happy to be batting out there- Virat Kohli

"I want to continue being in this space where I am relaxed and content with how I am playing, and that for me is the most important thing. Today I was happy to be batting out there, and in that space I end up playing my best cricket."

India will now face New Zealand in a 3-match ODI series from January 18th before the Border- Gavaskar Trophy with Australia.