Ranchi, Nov 17 (PTI) Elated after India decimated Sri Lanka with clinical precision in the just-concluded ODIs, stand-in skipper Virat Kohli said the biggest takeaway from the hurriedly-arranged series has been the positive and aggressive attitude that his team displayed all through.
India crushed Sri Lanka 5-0 completing the formalities with a three-wicket triumph in the final match of the series last night.
“Guys being positive and aggressive rather than defensive and negative. So that’s something we’re really stressing on. Even if a bowler is getting hit, as long as he’s looking to take wickets and not looking to get away — that’s the change we need,” Kohli, who struck a 139-run knock, told reporters.
“That’s something we have decided as a group in the series and it has come out beautifully,” he said.
Stressing on the new-found aggression, Kohli said it was a challenging task to beat their sub-continental rivals so convincingly.
“It’s not easy to have a whitewash especially against a sub-continent team in the sub-continent. It’s always a very difficult thing so really glad the way the guys have responded to whatever I’ve asked of them. I’m really satisfied as a captain,” he said.
Reiterating his mantra of being ruthless, Kohli said: “I meant with ruthless, that we’re looking to create wining habits more than anything else and create a culture for the team that needs to continue going forward as well.”
With an inexperienced side under him, Kohli batted at number four but the flamboyant right-hander said his gut feeling was to bat at his usual number three.
“I can’t comment on it right now but as long as we’re strengthened in the middle-order I don’t see any reason to keep batting at four. I’ve scored most of my centuries and won most of the games for the team at No 3.
“As long as I play the same way as I did today, that serves right for the team. You never know, I’m comfortable batting at No 3 and 4 both. I will go with my gut feel as well as what the team requires of me.
“Whatever fits the right balance we’ll go ahead with that. But I’m learning to bat at other position also if the team requires,” he added.
