Virat Kohli Wants Youngsters To Make The Most Of Opportunities

Virat Kohli said he never expected to get a bagful of opportunities in his early days as an international cricketer.

Virat Kohli, India's captain across all formats on Sunday spoke about giving opportunities to youngsters, who are being tested at the international level as the team prepares to find the right combination for the Twenty20 (T20) World Cup. The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Australia next year. Speaking ahead of the first T20 International against South Africa, which was abandoned without a ball being bowled, Indian captain said that when he was drafted into the Indian side, he did not expect to get numerous opportunities and he wants the youngsters to get on the field with the same mindset.

Giving his own example, Kohli, who made his India debut in 2008, said he never expected to get a bagful of opportunities in his early days as an international cricketer.

"We have 30 odd games (before T20 World Cup). From team's point of view, it is very clear. Even when I got into the team it is not like I was expecting 15 opportunities. You get four to five opportunities and you have to make the most of it. That is the level we are playing at," Kohli told bcci.tv.

"I think individuals coming in need to have the mindset (of limited opportunities) because team definitely has that mindset. Guys who grab the opportunity quickly, they grab the opportunity. 

It is a delicate balance to strike but it is important because you only have 30 games (to figure it out)," Kohli added. Besides the T20 World Cup in Australia next year, the team is also focussing on the World Test Championship.

 For the last two T20 International series, including against the West Indies and the ongoing one against South Africa, India have left out spinners Kuldeep Chahal and Yuzvendra Chahal who have made way for Rahul Chahar and Washington Sundar. The selectors have also brought in batsmen Shreyas Iyer and Manish Pandey. 

"Before we reach the World Cup, focus is on T20s and Tests. Youngsters are being pushed in from time to time. 

It is very important to settle the team combination and you will have to figure out the players who will take the team forward," Kohli concluded.