Kohli's focus on RCB now

His maturity is not restricted to the playing field alone, it percolates to his off field conduct as well. In an interaction with the press on Saturday, Kohli never gave the air of being a World Cup winner, answering each question patiently like a seasoned cricketer.

The contribution he made with the bat and with his agile fielding to India’s successful run in the World Cup only seemed to have made him a more mature individual.
Like a true professional, he now wants to contribute to the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s win in the Indian Premier League.

Kohli said the confidence stemming out of the historical triumph will stand him in good stead in the fourth edition of the IPL.

“Obviously, winning the World Cup was a big boost of confidence to me and all the other members. In RCB, we have another World Cup winner in Zaheer Khan and we have to try to channelise our energy and confidence coming out of our World Cup win towards propelling our team to a good show in the IPL,” Kohli told reporters on the eve of RCB’s match against Kochi Tuskers Kerala.

Kohli dismissed the notion that there might not have been enough rest for cricketers after a tremendous effort in the World Cup and they might find it tough to adjust to the frenetic pace of the T20 league.

“I don’t think that’s the case. We all are professionals and this is what is demanded of us. From my point of view, I have always looked to play as much cricket as possible.

“I never thought that I didn’t have enough rest after the World Cup or I need more time to get prepared for the IPL. Cricket has always been my top priority,” Kohli said.

On the RCB squad and their chances his time around, he said, ”We’ve got a very good and balanced squad. Now, we need to stick together as a unit and try to get as many good results as possible so that we can first reach the semis.”