Virat Kohli Hints Including Three Fast Bowlers For Indore Test

One of the intriguing things with Virat Kohli’s captaincy is all about his selection of players in the final XI for the particular game. He always keeps changing the lineup, thus, being unpredictable to the opposition. However, he makes sure to name the team based on the conditions of the pitch.

During the series against South Africa, Virat Kohli and the team management picked an extra-spinner in the squad leaving out Ishant Sharma. However, this time, there would be a change with the pitch looking suitable for the fast bowlers.

Three Pacers Seem likely – Virat Kohli

When asked what could be the make-up of the pace attack for the 1st Test in Indore, Kohli hinted at fielding 3 seamers ‘after looking at the pitch’. The Indian skipper also singled out experienced Ishant Sharma for special praise adding that the lanky fast bowler ‘has probably been our most consistent bowler in the last years’.

“Well, that (3 pacers) seems pretty likely after looking at the pitch. Also, because of the way Umesh (Yadav) has bowled. (Mohammed) Shami has been brilliant. (Jasprit) Bumrah is not fit yet. Ishant (Sharma) has probably been our most consistent bowler in the last years. A big reason for success in Test cricket is his ability to keep bowling in the same areas and others come in and pick up wickets. Also, he has picked up 4,5 wickets on many occasions.

Ishant Sharma took it really well – Ishant Sharma

Further, Virat Kohli showered high praises on the lanky fast bowler Ishant Sharma. He explained saying that Ishant has always been happy to stay away from the playing XI whenever the team management asked him to make a way for an extra spinner.

“I think his experience will always be handy for the team. The communication is pretty clear. We have played cricket since the time we were 17. He understands that when I go and something to him, it’s purely based on team requirements. He took it really well. Ishant’s strengths are different when the conditions are swinging and seaming,” added Kohli.

At the moment, India sits on top of the World Test Championship with wins in all the five games they’ve played, and are strong favourites to win the first Test in Indore. By the time the day-night game comes along in Kolkata, they could have further consolidated their position on the table.