Virat Kohli is under pressure, his position will be up for grabs if he doesn't score runs: Monty Panesar

India is all raring to take on the challenge against South Africa. The teams are scheduled to play three Tests and as many ODIs starting from December 26. Ahead of the marquee series, former England cricketer Monty Panesar has reckoned that Virat Kohli will be motivated to score big runs.

Recently, Kohli was replaced by Rohit as India’s full-time white-ball skipper. He then came forward with clarification on the communication between BCCI and him about the same. Thus, ahead of the series there have been heated discussions on this matter. But according to Panesar, Kohli is aware that he will have to make a larger impact on the side in the South Africa Tests.

“I think he will be very motivated because he knows that if he does not score a lot of runs in Test cricket then that position could be up for grabs as well. So, he is under pressure to perform but he needs to do well and actually get some wins and even India are winning and he does not score the runs that still is a positive for Virat Kohli because he knows how to get the best out of an individual,” Panesar said as quoted by HT.

I think India has got a great chance: Monty Panesar

India has enjoyed some good success on its overseas tour in recent years. They defeated Australia twice at their home and also dominated the proceedings against England, taking a 2-1 lead in the Test series before it was interrupted after Covid 19 outbreak in the Indian camp.

Taking into account this, Panesar pointed that the Virat Kohli-led side has got a great chance to win their first Test series in South Africa. He termed India as the favorites and stated that the Indian setup is a formidable one.

“I think India has got a great chance. They seem like favorites to win that series. They know how to win now away from India and that is to do with Ravi Shastri’s coaching philosophy. He really instilled that belief, the motivation to say guys any situation we are going to fight and if you are in a dominant position then we are going to keep our foot on the throat.

So, I think it is still there within this Indian team and this will be historic for Indian cricket for them to win their first series in South Africa and this is their best chance. They have got a stronger team. Their team is much stronger than the South Africans. I think India are firm favorites to win the series,” Panesar added.