Whoever handles pressure better will win, says Kohli ahead of semi final clash against New Zealand

Addressing a press conference ahead of their semi final clash against New Zealand in Manchester, Indian Captain Virat Kohli said, “Decision making will be crucial. Both teams are experienced enough. New Zealand was in the finals last time and they know how to play knock out games. They have had a wonderful World Cup again so they're a quality rival.”

Commenting about the pressure ahead of the big clash, Kohli said, “Whichever team is more brave in being calculative, that team stands a better chance to win so we understand that combination, we've made it to a lot of knockout games and finals and it's up to both the teams to bring their A game. Whoever handles pressure better will come out on top”

“We were very happy with the change in travel plan because the traveling time was cut to 1 hour instead of 3 hours in the bus.”

“During the league stages, when you know that all you need is a victory to qualify then the team is more relaxed but in knockout games, you need to be very precise”

Our bowling attack has been up there with the best. The way we have bowled in low scoring games shows a lot of character, said Kohli

“It gives you a bit more energy knowing that we’re entering the last phase of the tournament”

“It was an outstanding achievement by Rohit Sharma, never seen anyone score 5 centuries in a World Cup before. According to me, he is the best ODI player in the world at the moment.”

Everyone feels disappointed when you come to a stage of a tournament like this and don’t make it through, said Kohli

“For the Indian team every game is full of pressure, we’ve never felt like any game has been easy for us”

“KL Rahul has a very crucial role to play. He had a slow start which is justifiable as it is his first World Cup. But, now it seems that he has eased in and in the next game I think that we will be able to see the best out of him”