New Delhi: Virat Kohli hit a most-awaited century and this time he was seen in a new form and that of the opener. Kohli played the unbeaten 122-runs knock against Afghanistan and celebrated his 71st century. 

After the game, when reporters asked India vice-captain if Rohit Sharma should come as the opener for the team, he replied, “oh kya mai khud beth jaun? (So what? Should I sit out?)”

Rahul, however, also said that he has got his touch and can play this beautifully even at No. 3.

“Obviously, Virat scoring runs is a huge bonus for the team, and the way he played today against Afghanistan, I know he is very very pleased with how he batted today. He has been working on his game and that worked beautifully today. As a team, it is important for every player to get time out in the middle,” said KL. Rahul.

“You get confidence if you play 2-3 innings, really happy that he could play that way. You all know Virat Kohli, you have been watching him for so many years, it is not like he will only score centuries if he opens the batting, if he bats at No.3, he can then also score centuries. It is all about roles and what role a certain player has.”

“The role Virat had today, he played it beautifully. In the next series we play, his role would be different,” he said.

The celebration by Virat was relief – KL Rahul

KL Rahul continued to say that the celebration of Virat Kohli after the century was a relief. 

“Obviously, the celebration by Virat was more of relief. There has been no change in his mindset, attitude, and work ethic in the last 2-3 years. There has been no difference in the way he prepares for the game. He has always had that desire, I think we are also very obsessed with numbers, obsessed with those three digits and we think, if someone is scoring hundreds, then only he is in form. His contributions have been phenomenal in the last 2-3 years,” said Rahul.

“As a player, you always want to be perfect or you want to challenge yourself towards excellency, he has always been that player. Even during this phase, he has remained in the moment and he has worked on his game. That has been a learning for our entire group,” he went on to say.