Want to succeed in England for My Satisfaction Virat Kohli

Want to succeed in England for my satisfaction: Virat Kohli

This was Kohli speaking to the media before the team left for the United Kingdom to participate in the Champions Trophy. In many ways, the mega event is Kohli's biggest test so far. He's going to lead the Indian team in an ICC tournament for the first time and it's set to test his leadership skills. After a big home season he suffered a slump in form towards the end in the Test series against Australia and the Indian Premier League. A lot of eyes are on him to see how he bounces back with the bat in hand.

Many would believe Kohli has a point to prove in England. In the 2014 tour, he ended with 134 runs at an average of 13.40 in the five Tests, scored just 54 runs in the four One-Day Internationals at an average of 18 and his first half-century came in the last match of the tour - in the one-off Twenty20 International.

However, Kohli brushed aside the fact that he needs to prove a point but was quick to point out he's motivated to succeed in England. "If you talk about the longer format of the game then I did not do well here three years ago," he said on Thursday (May 25). "I was not able to contribute to the team and I want to succeed, although not to prove a point. It motivates me further to come back and do better.

"For me it is a game of cricket. From then to now, I have shown I am strong mentally. England brings a lot for challenges for a batsmen and I want to overcome them personally for my satisfaction at the end of my career. From that point of view, it is exciting for me."

Since being appointed India's limited-overs captain as well in January earlier this year, Kohli has led India to ODI and T20I series wins over England. Kohli acknowledged he's looking forward to the challenge of leading the side in a tournament like Champions Trophy. "I am very excited to be playing as captain in my first major ICC competition," he said. "As far as the team goes, we won last time because our fast bowlers did very well, our spinners were strong and our opening batsman did well.

"They were the main three factors. This year the team is a lot fitter, the cricketers are a lot more mature because that was a very young group four years ago. It has gained a lot of experience in the last three or four years. I love the tournament because it represents a challenge from the (word) go.

"In the ICC Cricket Wold Cup you have a league and a lot of games to play but here it is group games and then either the semis or you are out."

India play two warm-up clashes against New Zealand and Bangladesh before starting their campaign against Pakistan on June 4. They then take on Sri Lanka on June 8 before playing their last group game against South Africa on June 11.