Virat Kohli expects India batsmen to replicated home form when they take on Australia

After completing a 2-0 whitewash against the Windies, India skipper Virat Kohli said he wants his batsmen to replicate their home form against Australia. The hosts were clinical against a depleted Windies side, winning the second Test in Hyderabad by 10 wickets. The Windies batsmen revisited their demons in the second innings, despite having put on a much-improved display with the bat in the first.

All they could manage was a lead of 71 in the second innings, which Prithvi Shaw and KL Rahul effaced in the closing hours of Day 3. India were thus able to register their 10th straight home series win. India piled up the runs in the first Test in Rajkot, but away from home, their batsmen have had well-documented issues. They were let down time and again in England and thus lost matches that were very much under their grip.

The bowlers, on the other hand, have been consistent at home and overseas, and hence Virat Kohli has called for his batsmen to apply themselves consistently to complement the bowlers’ performances.

In the post-match presentation in Hyderabad, Kohli said, “I’m really happy to see these guys fit and hungry. It’s up to the batsmen to do the rest of the job. I think this game was tougher for the batsmen. This first innings was more challenging than the last one (in Rajkot).”

A headache to choose out of quality bowlers: Virat Kohli

He also lauded Umesh Yadav‘s effort with the ball, who became only the third Indian pacer to take 10 wickets in a Test at home. The speedster bowled with the perfect blend of pace and accuracy. He was the only operational fast bowler after Shardul Thakur picked up a groin injury in the early hours of Day 1. But this also means Kohli and the selectors will have a headache when it comes to picking out who to send Down Under for the 4-match Test series.

“If you look at the three new guys (Vihari in England, Shaw and Pant) who’ve come in, they’ve grabbed their opportunities. I think all these things are a big positive. But from this Test I want to single out Umesh. Shardul broke down and to take ten wickets is great. It was an outstanding performance. We’re all happy for him. I think it’s a great luxury to have (several seamers). We have a headache to choose out of so many good quality bowlers. That’s a better position to be in than looking for bowlers,” added the skipper.

India now take on the Windies in 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is, following which they will travel to Australia for a lengthy and much-awaited tour. India and Australia are scheduled to play 3 T20Is, 4 Tests and 3 ODIs, which all gets underway on November 21 at The Gabba.

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