Virat Kohli at one point looked set to join the privileged group of double centurions in one-day cricket, after Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. He accepted that the thought did cross his mind for once during his match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup on Sunday, where he scored his 11^th century.

“At one point, looking at the scoreboard the thought of getting a double century did cross my mind,” the India vice-captain said. “But it was just for a second. I immediately told myself ‘what am I thinking?’ and refocused on the job at hand, which was to help India win,” he added, with a smile.

“There have been matches when I have got out in the 42nd over and I did not want to repeat those mistakes. After becoming No 3 in the batting order, I value my wicket much more. I know if I stay at the wicket, the runs will come,”

Kohli was the common factor in partnerships, with Tendulkar and then with Rohit Sharma that clinched India’s biggest run chase. “Sachin Tendulkar has been my idol. Ever since I was a child, I would go to the grounds and try and get as close as possible to him. The first time I saw him really close made my day. Now, sharing the dressing room and batting alongside him makes me feel honored and privileged,” kohli said.

“As for Rohit Sharma, I am a fan of his batting. Whenever he plays those long innings, he makes batting look so easy.”

“As a batsman you look to improve everyday. It is not about replacing someone. You cannot think of replacing someone of that stature. It is about wanting to improve as a player,” he said.