I have changed as a player: Virat Kohli

New Delhi: With a mounting injury list, the selectors will be looking for replacements in the middle order, and on top of their mind will be young Virat Kohli. He spoke recently to CNN-IBN and began by talking of his joy of being part of a few match winning causes of late.

On his rise in international cricket

I wanted to make the most of every chance I got, and I had to set up my mind and my game accordingly. I'm happy that I was able to pull it off. The last two series went well for me and I grew in confidence as every match progressed.

It was a good phase for me personally and the team won many matches as well. So I was happy that I contributed and the team could win too.

On his captain and coach

When the captain backs you and shows faith in you, you feel special and feel eager and confident to go out there and perform. I'm glad that Dhoni has supported me very well for the last six-seven months. He has been helping me in the nets as well on how to go about my game as well.

I'm really thankful to him and he's been a great inspiration. Even coach Gary Kirsten has spent a lot of time with me in the nets and he's worked on my batting too.

On his maiden international century

Talking about the game in Kolkata, I was feeling a bit of pressure when I went in, because it was the series decider and we had lost two wickets early. But I was lucky enough to have Gautam Gambhir with me at the crease. He was guiding me throughout and calmed me down whenever I got a bit excited.

It was good to have an experienced player at the other end. I was very happy when I got my first hundred and the team won and we won the series too.

On playing international cricket with Delhi teammates Sehwag and Gambhir

I have had the pleasure of playing with Sehwag and Gambhir in the Delhi team as well. They guide you very well when you bat with them. If you ask for any advice they are always willing to help.

On sharing the dressing room with Sachin Tendulkar

It gives me an altogether different feeling when I got up to him and ask him something. Because he has such an aura around him and such a vibe that you feel special even if he tells you anything. It's a special feeling being in the dressing room with Tendulkar and I really enjoy it.

On his approach to the game

I try and put pressure on myself because that helps you to concentrate more and focus more on my game.

On the new Virat Kohli

I was concentrating more and spending more time on the field which helped me to stay away from the distractions outside the game. That really helped me and I started scoring runs and I started to enjoy a lot. It's helped me to score consistently and have been busy in the game to be thinking about anything else.

I did commit some mistakes which I admit, and I thought of correcting them rather than ignoring them. It's helped me in a big way and the last one year has taught me a lot. I have changed as a person and as a player as well.

On his Test ambitions

That's the ultimate dream for any cricketer to be a part of the Test team. One day I would surely love to play a Test match for India.