Cricket
Bangladesh vs India Cricket Series

Time to execute: Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli (R) interacts with the media while team director Ravi Shastri looks on in Kolkata yesterday ahead of their Bangladesh tour. PHOTO: INTERNET

Not quite convinced about the idea of counting the positives after a lost match, India's new Test captain Virat Kohli Sunday said the days of learning are long over and his cricket team would be solely focussed on delivering results.

Addressing a pre-departure press conference here Sunday ahead of the tour of Bangladesh, which starts with a one-off Test from June 10, Kohli said his focus is on results.

"We have learnt a lot, I don't think we need to play with a mindset of playing to learn. Obviously, we learn about the game all the time, even when we are watching it on TV. But we have played long enough now, we know what we want to achieve as a unit. So, we really want to achieve rather than go out of a match thinking what we have learnt from it," Kohli said when asked about his expectations from the team.

Insisting that the team is in good shape for the Bangladesh tour, which will also have three ODIs, Kohli said fitness is a prime concern to ensure that his side keeps a steady look.

"The team is looking in good shape. We conducted a fitness test yesterday because we feel that fitness is one area where we need to strengthen," he said.

"Everyone is really excited for a fresh beginning. I am certainly excited about leading the team," he added.

On his own expectations from the short tour, Kohli said he is looking forward to strategise for the gruelling Test format.

"I have captained teams before. At a certain level, you learn while doing the job. Tests are a difficult ball game compared to ODIs or T20s because you have to strategise for a whole day in one go," he said.

India will be without a coach in the Bangladesh series but team director Ravi Shastri said the team does not require "more coaches" than what it already has right now.

"We have got three coaches, we don't need another coach. I will double up as head coach if need be, so there is no issue whatsoever," said Shastri when asked whether the side would miss not having a national coach after Duncan Fletcher's tenure came to an end earlier this year.

Asked whether the team is confident of a good show against the lower-ranked Bangladesh, Shastri said, "We respect every opponent and Bangladesh is another opponent."

A talking point ahead of the tour has been the Test comeback of veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and asked whether he would be leading the Indian attack, Shastri said it would be a combined effort.

"We welcome Harbhajan back in the side, he is a good operator and will bring plenty to the plate. (But) it's going to be an India bowling outfit, not anyone in particular leading the pack," he said.

Meanwhile, Harbhajan on Sunday said that his role in the Indian team is still "same as it used to be 5-7 years back" when he was the spearhead of the bowling attack.

"My role is same in the team as it was 5-7 years back. We need to work as a unit. All the four or bowlers need to back each other. When it comes to goal, it was same when I was playing alongside Anil Kumble and Amit Mishra. It is to help each other in winning games," Harbhajan told media persons at the open session on the eve of team's departure to Dhaka.

He has made a comeback after two years but when questioned about the difference from Harbhajan of the old, he quickly countered,"Can you see any difference? There is no difference."

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Bangladesh vs India Cricket Series

Time to execute: Kohli

India captain Virat Kohli (R) interacts with the media while team director Ravi Shastri looks on in Kolkata yesterday ahead of their Bangladesh tour. PHOTO: INTERNET

Not quite convinced about the idea of counting the positives after a lost match, India's new Test captain Virat Kohli Sunday said the days of learning are long over and his cricket team would be solely focussed on delivering results.

Addressing a pre-departure press conference here Sunday ahead of the tour of Bangladesh, which starts with a one-off Test from June 10, Kohli said his focus is on results.

"We have learnt a lot, I don't think we need to play with a mindset of playing to learn. Obviously, we learn about the game all the time, even when we are watching it on TV. But we have played long enough now, we know what we want to achieve as a unit. So, we really want to achieve rather than go out of a match thinking what we have learnt from it," Kohli said when asked about his expectations from the team.

Insisting that the team is in good shape for the Bangladesh tour, which will also have three ODIs, Kohli said fitness is a prime concern to ensure that his side keeps a steady look.

"The team is looking in good shape. We conducted a fitness test yesterday because we feel that fitness is one area where we need to strengthen," he said.

"Everyone is really excited for a fresh beginning. I am certainly excited about leading the team," he added.

On his own expectations from the short tour, Kohli said he is looking forward to strategise for the gruelling Test format.

"I have captained teams before. At a certain level, you learn while doing the job. Tests are a difficult ball game compared to ODIs or T20s because you have to strategise for a whole day in one go," he said.

India will be without a coach in the Bangladesh series but team director Ravi Shastri said the team does not require "more coaches" than what it already has right now.

"We have got three coaches, we don't need another coach. I will double up as head coach if need be, so there is no issue whatsoever," said Shastri when asked whether the side would miss not having a national coach after Duncan Fletcher's tenure came to an end earlier this year.

Asked whether the team is confident of a good show against the lower-ranked Bangladesh, Shastri said, "We respect every opponent and Bangladesh is another opponent."

A talking point ahead of the tour has been the Test comeback of veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and asked whether he would be leading the Indian attack, Shastri said it would be a combined effort.

"We welcome Harbhajan back in the side, he is a good operator and will bring plenty to the plate. (But) it's going to be an India bowling outfit, not anyone in particular leading the pack," he said.

Meanwhile, Harbhajan on Sunday said that his role in the Indian team is still "same as it used to be 5-7 years back" when he was the spearhead of the bowling attack.

"My role is same in the team as it was 5-7 years back. We need to work as a unit. All the four or bowlers need to back each other. When it comes to goal, it was same when I was playing alongside Anil Kumble and Amit Mishra. It is to help each other in winning games," Harbhajan told media persons at the open session on the eve of team's departure to Dhaka.

He has made a comeback after two years but when questioned about the difference from Harbhajan of the old, he quickly countered,"Can you see any difference? There is no difference."

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