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'Virat Kohli Told Me He Doesn't Want To Stand In Slips' - Fielding Coach T Dilip

image-lrki017cVirat Kohli saved a near-certain six in Bengaluru T20I [AP Photo]

Virat Kohli knows he maintains unparalleled fitness standards in world cricket and the Indian batting legend wishes to make use of his great physique and agility on the cricket field. 

The former skipper was in his true element on the outfield during the third and final T20I of the series against Afghanistan in Bangalore on Wednesday. 

Kohli made a big difference in India ultimately securing an upper hand in the clash played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, making multiple excellent saves and nailing his catching chances. 


Why Kohli Dropped Himself Off Slips

Kohli famously helped India save a near-certain maximum during the critical stage of Afghanistan's run-chase and then executed their valiant power-hitter Gulbadin Naib's run-out with a rocket-like throw in the first Super Over. 

None of it would've been possible, however, if Kohli had stood in the slip cordon or even within the 30-yard circle as he did at the height of his captaincy tenure. The tactical fielding change, revealed fielding coach T Dilip, was Kohli's own idea since he wanted to contribute better with his fielding and fitness standards in the shortest format. 

"This guy (Virat) has shown time and again in split-second decision-making. The way he keeps coming, saving runs, putting dives, going for hotspots, you can't take your eyes off none other thanVirat Kohli. He won two medals in the World Cup," said Dilip, speaking inside the Indian dressing room while awarding Kohli the 'Fielder of the Series' award on BCCI.tv. 


"I still remember in the West Indies, when he told me that he doesn't want to stand in slips, wanted to do it at short or fine-leg; challenging the youngsters that he wanted to be the best in the World Cup, and he showed that."

Kohli's intensity helped him make a difference to India's fortunes even as he missed out with bat in hand, dismissed off a rare duck first ball in Bangalore.