Silenced Faulkner with a timely retort: Virat Kohli

He surpassed legends like Sachin Tendulkar to become the fastest to reach 7,000 runs and 24 ODI centuries but star India batsman Virat Kohli on Tuesday said as a cricketer he was “still very much a work in progress”.

India Test skipper also discussed the banter that takes place on the field. “I am very much a work in progress as a cricketer. Opponents are always trying to get you out, trying to outsmart you and you need to stay ahead of them. I feel like I am learning everyday, trying something new on the field,” said Kohli on Tuesday in a Facebook video chat with his fans. “That (mindset) keeps you grounded as well. We, as players, understand that not many are getting to play at the highest level and I am trying to make the most of it,” he added.

The Australian cricketers can’t do without sledging the opposition and they must be given a fitting retort, feels the usually aggressive Virat Kohli who walked his talk by giving it back to James Faulkner in third ODI at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. “That banter keeps going on. We are pretty used to it. It is happening on a regular basis in international cricket. The game has become really competitive and people will try to disrupt you in anyway possible,” said Kohli .

“The opposition has every right to sledge as long as it doesn’t not cross the line and you have every right to reply as long as it is doesn’t cross the line. There have been lot of smart comments of late and mine turned out to be a perfectly timed one. I did not intend to do that. I just said what came to mind. It was actually not far from the truth. That banter is enjoyable but at the same time, you need to focus on the game,” said Kohli.

Asked specifically about sledging by Australians, he said: “I don’t think people cross the line these days with so many cameras around. The game has become competitive so they (Australians) will try to annoy you. Especially when they are fielding. I personally enjoy that challenge. It is not bad for cricket as far as the competitive aspect is concerned.”

Kohli was batting on 73 when Faulkner tried to rile him up. “You’re wasting your energy. There’s no point, I’ve smashed you enough in my life. Just go and bowl,” Kohli was heard telling Faulkner, who challenged the Indian to go after his bowling.