I Don’t Play for a Century & That’s Why I Score More: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli finished as the top scorer in the India vs Sri Lanka ODI series.

Virat Kohli spoke to the media on the eve of the first ODI in Chennai.

(Photo: PTI)

“Think less about an impending three-figure mark, and it might mean that you will reach the milestone more often than not”, is India captain Virat Kohli's mantra while batting.

Kohli, currently, is the second highest in terms of century, with 30 tons to his credit in 50-overs, along with Ricky Ponting. Sachin Tendulkar tops the list with 49 hundreds.

Asked if these staggering numbers that he has racked up over the years, play on his mind, he replied: "I don't play for the three-figure mark, maybe that's why I end up crossing it more. Since I am not thinking about it, I don't end up putting myself under pressure in terms of what I need to achieve as a landmark. For me, what's most important is to win the match for the team."

Kohli does not mind being stranded on 98 or 99 if it helps his team win the match.

"As I said before, even if I am 98 not out or 99 not out, I don't mind, as long as I win the game. In that process, things end up happening because you want to stay till the end.

So my motivation has never been that, it will never be that." The skipper stressed that his philosophy will always remain as long as he plays top flight cricket.

"Whatever time I play, eight years, ten years, or 12 years – whatever it is, I will never think of that because it just doesn't come naturally to me. For me, what's most important is how can I help the team win with the bat in the field, giving my 120 percent every time I step on to the field, and preparing accordingly – that I think is more important to me than the personal landmark," he said.