Confident juniors know how to chill

Kohli speaks about the net session and makes a face when asked about the under-prepared practice pitches there. “But the kind of form I’m in, I can’t be bothered with such small things,” he says, feeling the double stud in his ears. He is a picture of confidence, and so are most members of the team. The team hotel, in the final stages of the World Cup, presents an interesting sight. Those on a roll swagger around, while the ones who are sticking around for minor-placing games appear resigned and subdued.

A day after India’s win over New Zealand, Kiwi pacer Greg Morgan tries to draw the attention of the Indian captain while we’re speaking to him. Morgan asks Kohli if he wants a ‘Kiwi All-Blacks’ t-shirt. “Thanks, Kane was in my room after the game; he gave me one,” says Kohli. He later reveals how the New Zealand skipper — Kane Williamson — came to his room and presented him with not just a shirt, but also a bat.

Speaking to a few more players, however, one comes across a few blips in this overtly optimistic Indian camp. Tanmay Srivasvata and Pradeep Sangwan are room-mates and they’re both dealing with problems — one physical and other mental. During the game against New Zealand, Tanmay was hit by a ball while fielding on his follow-through and he’s wearing a bandage on his hand. “I went for an X-ray yesterday. Since there is a lot of swelling, I have been told to be cautious. I didn’t bat at the nets today but this three-day gap between games has been a help,” he says. Speak to India’s team physio Muthu and he sounds confident that Tanmay will be fit to bat on Sunday.

Meanwhile, pace spearhead Sangwan’s sudden drop in form after his five-wicket haul against South Africa is an area of concern. Sangwan speaks about a problem of “loading” in his bowling. What he means is his left arm isn’t moving the way he would have liked. “At times it comes sideways; ideally it should come straight. I will go back to India and work on it,” he says.