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They are so nice, you can't even think of revenge: Virat Kohli

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 1/24/2020 11:26:55 AM

Auckland, Jan 23 As India gear up to face New Zealand for the 1st time since the defeat in the World Cup 2019 semifinal, thoughts of avenging that loss have been doing the rounds. But Indian captain Virat Kohli brushed aside all such ideas saying that the Kane Williamson-led side is so "nice" that you can't even get into such a zone where you think of exacting revenge. On the eve of the 1st T20I of the upcoming 5-match series, Virat Kohli was addressing the media in Auckland. When he was asked if he was thinking about revenge, he laughed while hailing the Kiwis for setting the "right example for teams to play at the international level". "Honestly, even if you think about revenge, these guys are so nice, you can't get into that zone. We get along really well with these guys and it's all about just being competitive on the field. They are probably one side that has set the right example for teams to play at the international level and how they should carry themselves. They are not nasty and you can tell by the way they play. We have a lot of respect for them and vice-versa. We were actually happy for them when they qualified for the finals because when you have lost you have to look at the larger picture," said Kohli. With opener Shikhar Dhawan injured, India also will have a few selection headaches when they sit down to choose their playing XI for the 1st T20I on Friday. Kohli said that Dhawan's injury wouldn't be a big setback as the team already has a number of guys in good form and some T20 experience under their belt to fill up the vacuum. Kohli also asserted that KL Rahul might continue to play in the middle-order in ODIs but most probably would open the innings in T20Is. "It (Dhawan's injury) will certainly alter a few plans for us. In the one-day game, I think we'll have to think of sticking to the same as what we did in Rajkot. Have another guy at the top and let KL just express himself at that position where he played really well. In T20 cricket, of course, the dynamics change a little bit more because we do have lowerorder batsmen who have done well. "So we have a few more options there in terms of solidifying that spot and probably letting Kl bat at the top. Him doing really well with the gloves has opened up another scenario for us which gives us a lot more balance in playing an extra batter. If he can keep that well and perform well with the bat then why not. This is something that we are looking to continue for a while and nothing to be taken away from anyone else but it's just what brings the best balance to the side. I know there will be a lot of talks around what happens to other players and what-not. For us, the most important thing is what the team requires and the best balance that we can create as a side. Rahul is a total team-man," added Kohli. Having just finished an ODI series win vs Australia, Kohli on Thursday jokingly said it is getting 'closer and closer to landing at the stadium straight' while reflecting on the team's tight international schedule. "It is definitely getting closer and closer to landing at the stadium straight. That is how compressed the gap has become. "I think this kind of travel and coming to a place which is seven hours ahead of India time is difficult to adjust immediately. I am sure that these things will be taken into consideration much more in the future," he added.