ICC World Cup 2019: Team India Press Conference, highlights: Most challenging World Cup, no room for complacency- Kohli

As it happened: Captain Virat Kohli believes he has a good side and all the players are in great headspace. Coach Ravi Shastri wanted the players to go out an enjoy themselves and play to their potential.

15:59 hrs IST

Kohli on focusing on the present

Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri

We have to focus on ourselves. If we start thinking about other teams, we will lose focus on our campaign. We have our strengths to focus on and this is what will help us

15:58 hrs IST

Shastri on Dhoni

MS Dhoni will play a massive role. When it comes to little moments that can change the game, he will be valuable. It was good to see MS Dhoni moving well in the IPL. He has a massive role. There is no one better than him in this format especially in those little moments which can change the game. He will be a big player in this World Cup

15:56 hrs IST

Have to maintain intensity

The big football teams maintain their intensity for three-four months, then why can’t we

15:55 hrs IST

No complacency

There is a decent gap between games. So I don’t think the players will be burnt out. Playing tough games upfront is good as we will be up for it from the start. We will be at our 100% intensity from the minute we step onto the field. There is no room for complacency, we have to be at our best everyday

15:52 hrs IST

Experience in bowling attack - Shastri

We are an experienced bowling unit. Each one compliments each other and keeps the pressure. This unit has done it across formats and we aim to do the same at the World Cup

15:50 hrs IST

Shastri - Have to be flexible

We have to be flexible. Because in England even if the pitches are flat, the overhead conditions matter a lot. We have to be ready for that

15:49 hrs IST

Shastri speaks

It’s about going out and enjoying. World Cup may be a stage but we have to play our game. If we play to our abilities, the World Cup will be here

15:46 hrs IST

Expecting high-scoring games

We expect high-scoring games. With the summer in England the conditions will be nice. This will be the most challenging World Cup out of the three I have been part of because of the format. It’s a different challenge and one that every team will have to adapt

15:45 hrs IST

Handling pressure is the key

Handling pressure is the most important thing in the World Cup and not necessarily the conditions. All our bowlers are fresh, no one looks fatigued.

15:44 hrs IST

Kuldeep, Chahal two pillars of our bowling attack

Handling pressure is the most important thing in the World Cup and not necessarily the conditions. All our bowlers are fresh, no one looks fatigued.

15:43 hrs IST

Have to play good cricket- Kohli

The only expectation we have is to play good cricket. We go into the World Cup feeling very balanced and confident. All our players have been in great form in the IPL: Virat Kohli

15:42 hrs IST

Why Vijay Shankar was preferred over Rayudu

Speaking on the inclusion of Shankar ahead of Rayudu, chief selector MSK Prasad said that Rayudu got an extended rope, but they went ahead with Shankar as he has the calibre to be a three-dimensional player in the World Cup.

Read more about it here.

15:32 hrs IST

Presser to begin anytime soon

The seats have been taken and we await the captain and coach. Virat has been on many assignments all over the world but this is going to be a completely different ball game.

15:30 hrs IST

Wait continues

The cameras await the captain and coach

15:27 hrs IST

Schedule for this World Cup

Each team will play each other once and the four best sides will make it to the semis. Here is the full schedule of the tournament

15:19 hrs IST

All set for Kohli, Shastri

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the pre-departure press conference at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai. Team India captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri will address the media before the team jets off to England.