India vs Sri Lanka: Not bothered about milestones at all, says Virat Kohli after 45 in his 100th Test

India vs Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli said he understands that fans of the sport want him to hit big scores every time he walks out to bat but stressed he is happy with the way he has ben contributing to the team. Kohli got out for 45 in the first innings of his 100th Test.

Virat Kohli conceded that he is aware of the expectations from cricket fans whenever he goes out to bat but that he is not bothered about getting to personal milestones of materialistic achievements. The former captain's comments came after he was dismissed for 45 in the first innings of his 100th Test, which is also the series opener between India and Sri Lanka in Mohali on Friday.

The cricket world was waiting with a lot of hope to see Virat Kohli get to the 3-figure mark and celebrate the landmark of becoming only the 12th India cricketer to play 100 Tests in style in Mohali. Kohli got off to a superb start, hitting boundaries in his trademark style but he got out for 45, getting castled by left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya.

Kohli was not able to believe his luck as he was beaten completely by a delivery that turned square and hit the top of off-stump after pitching on the middle and leg. It was a disappointing end to a day that started with head coach Rahul Dravid presenting Virat Kohli a special cap as the team felicitated the star batter for completing 100 Tests.

However, Kohli stitched an important stand with Hanuma VIhari, who hit a 58 after batting at No. 3 for the first time in his career. The duo added 90 runs for the 2nd wicket after India lost their openers in Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal relatively early in the first session.

India vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test Day 1: Report | Highlights

Speaking to the press after Day 1 of his 100th Test, Kohli said he has been preparing the same way all through his career and that he is happy with the contributions he is making for the team.

"I am preparing exactly the way I have prepared all along. As long as I am batting well, I am not bothered at all. People look at milestones and talk about a lot of things which are just a conversation on the outside, I know for a fact that I have been involved in very important partnerships for the team in the recent past," Kohli said on Friday.