4th Test: Kohli Acknowledges Lack of Discipline in Last Few Innings

Talismanic India batter Virat Kohli has admitted he hasn't been disciplined enough in his last few innings of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. After scoring an unbeaten century at Perth, Kohli has since made 7, 11 and 3 in this series currently locked at 1-1.

"If you would have told us we're going to be one all heading into Boxing Day Test, we would have taken it with both hands.". I agree, last two or three innings hasn't gone the way I wanted to. As I said, I haven't been disciplined enough to stick in there and, really grind it out. That's what the challenge that Test Cricket brings,” said Kohli to former India head coach Ravi Shastri ahead of day one’s play in the Boxing Day Test.

He also observed that pitches are getting livelier in Australia compared to his previous tours to the country. "Obviously, these pitches are much more livelier than the last time that we played here. So there's a different approach that's required, but that's something that I've taken a lot of pride in to go out there and counter different conditions and step up when the team wants me to or needs me to.

"So, the thought process is to get jammed in, as I said, go in there, get your eyes fixed in, play enough numbers of balls that you can start playing your game thereafter but respect the conditions foremost," stated Kohli.

Talking about how he handles the expectations of performing well in every outing, Kohli said, "Well, expectations are always going to be there, I guess, playing for your country firstly and then having performed for that long a period, the expectations are always going to follow. I think what's important is to make sure you understand your own plans and you understand the space you are in.

"If you begin thinking of the expectations, then you move away from what you are supposed to do. So, the concept is just to follow the game plan that I have. Just stay very disciplined in my approach, and understand the situation of the game. That's something that's brought me success over so many years and really focus on what the team needs from me out there."

"If I walk in early, then it's a different situation. If there's a partnership, then to capitalize and stretch that good period for the team. So I think it's just looking at situations and making sure you have your own game plan set."

India have won Test matches in Melbourne in 2018/19 and 2020/21 respectively, and Kohli felt the series is well and truly on now. "Yes, we played some really good cricket here. As I said, last time around when we played, we won. The year before that, we won as well. So I think it's just about understanding where the series is placed, and that takes away all the pressure on individuals."

"Now it's all to play for. We are 1-1. We would love to put up a robust Test match here and really look forward to making progress in the series into the SCG. It will definitely be a cracker of a Test match. Both teams badly would want to win it out, and the Australians come strong, as do we, but then this opportunity comes forward in front of us".

"To avoid the follow on in Brisbane and the way the tail got stuck in, an to make sure that we are not batting again under pressure was massive. In the end, it ended up to be a draw when the situation was looking bleak for us.". So, we have really gotten stuck in, shown character at the right stage, and that has given us another chance to start fresh and approach this game like we approached the first one.

Kohli's record at the MCG has seen him score 316 runs in three Tests, coming at an average of 52.66. "It's a special place. I mean, right from my first tour, I understood the occasion that the Boxing Day Test match brings and (brings) some good memories in these Test matches.

The last time that I played here, we had won and taken it to 2-1 in the series, so it was a memorable outing. Even in 2014-15, I had a Test hundred here. So pretty fond memories of this ground, not just in Test cricket but other formats as well. It's a special place to come and play," he concluded.