Suresh Raina hails Virat Kohli’s self-belief ahead of Australia series

Suresh Raina hails Virat Kohli’s self-belief: The axed Indian batsman was wax lyrical about the Indian captain ahead of the Australia series.

There is no hiding to the fact that India captain Virat Kohli is expected to both score runs and lead the team from the front during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Having single-handedly won matches for India in the past, Kohli will carry a truckload of expectations alongside him to England later in the year.

In 222 ODIs so far, Kohli has scored 10,533 runs at an average of 59.50 and a strike rate of 92.58. 39 centuries and 49 half-centuries speaks highly about his conversion rate at the highest level.

In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, axed India batsman Suresh Raina opened up on Kohli. Raina, who has played 154 ODIs (out of 226) alongside Kohli, talked about what he feels makes Kohli such a brilliant cricketer.

ALSO READ: Suresh Raina explains why MS Dhoni will be the go-to man for Virat Kohli in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

“Kohli’s belief provides him with the hunger to perform”

“Virat Kohli is a brilliant leader as well as a brilliant player. Everyone knows how many runs he has scored. But what stands out for me when it comes to Kohli is the belief that he has and the hunger to perform in every situation.

“Every time there is a pressure-cooker scenario, he is ready to take the responsibility with open arms,” Raina was quoted as saying.

“There will be no pressure on India”

Being asked about whether India will play under pressure in the imminent world event, Raina sounded confident when he answered it in the negative. Pointing out the Indian team’s recent form, Raina said that the team has a very good chance of lifting the trophy.

“I don’t really think there will be pressure. I think the way the boys have been playing, we have done really well. I won’t be surprised if we finish in the top four (at the end of the group stages) and if that happens, we clearly have a very good chance of lifting the World Cup at Lord’s,” he added.

Read some of the latest Twitter reactions on Kohli below: