Virat Kohli hints at retaining Parthiv as a makeshift opener in the squad

Test captain Virat Kohli was all praises for wicketkeeper-batsman Parthiv Patel who made a terrific comeback in the Mohali Test and was instrumental in India winning the match comprehensively by 8 wickets. Kohli was happy with Patel’s positive batting approach and hinted that along with the 2nd wicketkeeper’s slot Parthiv could also turn out to be a backup opener for India.

With KL Rahul’s injury and Shikhar Dhawan and Gautam Gambhir not making most of their opportunities, Parthiv’s name has come out as an alternative for the opener’s slot.

When asked about the prospect of Parthiv being Rahul’s back up, an optimistic Virat Kohli said, “Wow, that’s a good headache, to be honest. You never know, there are all kinds of possibilities. The way he approached both the innings, it was amazing to see. That’s where experience from the first-class level comes into play. The intent he showed in both innings deflated the opposition totally. Credit to him to go out there and counter-attack the seamers. He really stood out for me as a batsman, as a keeper as well he did well. So you never know, let’s see what happens in next few days and we will take a call accordingly.”

Kohli was also pleased with the reserve pool of bowlers and stated it was their hard work which enabled him to push his strike bowlers that extra yard.

“Obviously, it boosts your confidence up a notch, when you have quality bowlers in your reserves as well. As a captain, you always feel that you can ask your main guys to push every game that they play. Especially, we have Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar sitting and waiting for their chance. Even a spinner like Amit Mishra is not playing. So it’s a good thing that whoever is playing is standing up and making his presence felt. That as a captain is pleasing.

“Especially in a game like this, where you get the opposition out for 280 on a flat wicket gives you confidence as a bowling unit that you are on top and dictating terms. As a captain, it is an added advantage.”

The captain also stated that Ashwin’s injury was a minor niggle and apart from the reported ones like Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, and Wriddhiman Saha the rest of the team are fully fit and raring to go. “All three niggles have been addressed – Rahul, Saha, and Hardik. All others are fit and fine. Ashwin is fine and it was just an exaggeration while taking a run on that particular day. All are fit and fine.”

Kohli was reluctant to speak about the on-field banter with Stokes and did not want to reveal what had transpired on the field. “See, he is a competitive player and so am I. I wouldn’t like to explain or elaborate what happened on the field. It’s better left to officials to understand and know what happened. These things only motivated me in the past and they continue to do so, I don’t mind it,” Kohli concluded.