Hardik Pandya likely to get his first Test cap, says Virat Kohli

Indian skipper Virat Kohli revealed that promising all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to make his Test debut during the series against Sri-Lanka. While addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Kohli stated the same which will add to the fairy tale phase Pandya is going through.

On Hardik pandya:

Hardik Pandya who broke into the international scene after his magnificent all-round display in the Indian Premier League is yet to represent the nation in the longest format of the game. Speaking about his chances to earn his first cap in the white jersey, Virat Kohli pointed out that Pandya’s appetite for wickets makes him a serious contender for the starting line-up.

“We got a guy like Hardik Pandya, who has a knack of picking wickets. He has a great chance of playing as well. That gives us the balance. The extra batsman gave us more solidarity. We have taken learnings from that and we will surely apply that straightaway into the series. It is very important to have your strike bowlers to be able to pick up wickets.” said the captain.

On Rohit Sharma:

The Test series against Colombo also marks the return of Rohit Sharma who missed Team India’s Caribbean tour due to injury. However, Virat Kohli confirmed that he has no intentions of opening the inning with Rohit because of the availability of specialist Test openers on the side.

“Rohit has never opened in a Test cricket and we don’t see that kind of experiment happening here because we have specialist openers in the team and they will obviously be starting this game.”

On KL Rahul:

Another player who makes a return in the series against Sri Lanka is Lokesh Rahul, a batsman known for his concrete and composed style of play. The batsman missed both the IPL and the Champions Trophy falling victim to injury makes his comeback since the Test series against Australia at home. However, the batsman will have to wait till the second Test for his return as he has been ruled out of the first due to viral fever.

“Rahul is unfortunately down with fever. Luckily, it is not anything serious. So he will get back in a few days. KL is a very established player for us, a very solid player. These kinds of scenarios present other players in the team with an opportunity to step up,” Kohli said.

“It is very different sitting here after two years from those series two years back. We are able to build on that culture, mindset in the last couple of years. I think we have built a very good base for us as a team. We don’t see any series as a launchpad but for playing consistently. We realise what needs to be done. We are humble in our preparation. Next phase of cricket for us is going to be challenging but we believe we have the kind of skills available to face the challenge.” added the Indian captain.

An ever-so-confident Virat Kohli stated that the team hardly has any flaws at the moment and is ready for the battle. The team is looking to sort and fix the small issues inside the team in order to gain perfection.

“I don’t think there are any areas of concern for us. We have been looking to fine tune smaller areas during the course of the game. We have given responsibility to the players to identify those areas.”

“Even the substitutes who sit on the sideline, their concern for the team, it is great to see them as a part of the team. The culture in the team is outstanding and makes me proud. All guys think we can do it. We have the belief and trust.” concluded Kohli.