Virat Kohli Drops Big Hint About India's Playing XI For First New Zealand Test

Ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, India skipper Virat Kohli has dropped a major hint on how the team would line up for the series-opener. There is little clarity over the playing eleven for India due to some unfortunate injuries. With Rohit Sharma out of the series, India will have to pick one between Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill to open alongside Mayank Agarwal.

There are also question marks over the fitness of Ishant Sharma who recently joined the team in New Zealand after recovering from an ankle injury. It would also be interesting to see the team-management’s choice for the wicketkeeper. Wriddhiman Saha impressed during the home season but Rishabh Pant has an impressive record with the bat in overseas Tests.

Well, Virat Kohli has now hinted who would play in the first Test. The India skipper stated that Ishant looked ‘pretty normal’ while bowling in the nets before mentioning that the senior pacer’s experience will be useful for the team. Thus one can say that Ishant looks set to play the first Test.

“He (Ishant) looked pretty normal and pretty similar to what he was bowling before the ankle injury. He is hitting good areas again and he has played (Test cricket) in New Zealand couple of times, so his experience will be useful to us. It was really good to see him bowling with pace and in good areas,” Virat Kohli said during his media interaction ahead of the match.

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As far as opening combination is concerned, he hinted that Prithvi Shaw would open alongside Agarwal. Shaw has not played a Test since his debut series in 2018. He missed the series in Australia due to an injury before being banned for doping violation.

“Prithvi is a talented player and he has his own game and we want him to follow his instincts and play the way he does. Look, these guys have no baggage and are not desperate to perform in any manner,” Virat Kohli said.

“They don’t have any nerves to do well overseas. Like a clear head with which Mayank played in Australia, Prithvi can do the same in New Zealand. A bunch of guys playing with fearlessness, something that can motivate the whole team, gives us start that the team wants and not get intimidated by the opposition in any way,” he added.