We”re ready for Test challenge against ”intense” NZ, says Kohli

TIL Desk Sports/India skipper Virat Kohli believes that his team will need to have a “lot more concentration on the field” and be at their absolute best when they take on New Zealand in the first Test of the two-match series beginning Friday at the Basin Reserve.

Talking to reporters after the pre-series photo session on Wednesday, Kohli insisted that his team has prepared their fitness and concentration levels in such a manner that they can now compete against any opposition in the world. “We have prepared in a manner where our fitness levels and concentration levels are such that we can compete against anyone in the world,” Kohli said. “That”s the kind of confidence we will carry into this series.”

The 31-year-old further said unlike Australia and England, opposition teams don”t have to deal too much with the crowd and all they need to is focus on the on-field activities. “Not saying this in a negative manner, but the crowd plays a massive role in England and Australia. You need to be in a zone where you need to be feisty and counter that from all angles,” he said.