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ICC Champions Trophy 2017: We will play ruthless cricket, says Virat Kohli

India cricket captain Virat Kohli addressed various topics ranging from India-Pakistan match to RCB's performance in the recently concluded IPL

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A day before embarking to England to defend the Champions Trophy, India captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday met the media and addressed various issues ranging from the transition from T20 cricket to the new strategy used by Team India while playing. 

Here are some excerpts from the press conference

Players are match ready

The players selected for the Champions Trophy have played a month and a half of T20 cricket. Although the formats are different, the players are match-ready and in rhythm because they have just finished playing a competitive tournament.

On India’s inability to defend titles

 We’re not going with that mindset. We’re going to enjoy each game as it comes. The last tournament had a young unit and enjoyed each game before winning the tournament. The boys are hungry to win. We have also spoken of ruthlessness, but in a good way. We want to play ruthlessly. We don’t like losing or drawing (in Test matches) games. We just want to make winning a habit.

On the India-Pakistan match

We’ve discussed this every time. What happens between the two nations is a different issue. We’re players and are here to play cricket. Indian and Pakistani fans are passionate about the game, and we’re sure that they will be entertained.

On Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni

Both of them have been in the right frame of mind, and this is a huge plus when it comes to batting in the middle order. Both Yuvi and Mahi have the ability to rotate the strike and play the big shots. When they’re in this frame of mind, it’s a huge boost for the squad.

On the team that won the trophy

Last time, Rohit (Sharma) and Shikhar (Dhawan) delivered in most of the games, which helped the team.  Ashwin and Jadeja picked up wickets in the middle overs, and the fielding was spectacular. It was probably the best fielding squad of the tournament. This time round, we hope to go with the same frame of mind.

Not playing for redemption

Conditions don’t matter to me. In 2014, during the tour of England, I expected too much from myself and didn’t succeed. But you understand your limitations, and grow as a cricketer. I know we need to play well and deliver and enjoy ourselves.

On RCB’s performance in the IPL

Looking back, I’m fortunate that something like this happened at this juncture of my career. You understand your limitations when the team is going through a tough phase. In all honesty, I’ve never seen 15 players going through the same mindset at the same time. You balance things out. And appreciate the game more.

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