Kohli happy with bench strength ahead of final test against NZ at Indore

Virat-Kohli
Indian test captain addressing the media at Indore ahead of the third and final test against New Zealand on Friday. Image Source: ANI

Internet Test: Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli has expressed his satisfaction over the way the substitute players has stepped in the ongoing series against New Zealand.

“We have had injuries, but the good thing is we were able to recognise them early and given them rest. It’s a long season ahead and the good thing others have stepped in and taking it as an opportunity to do well for the team,” said Kohli at the pre match press conference.

Left hand opening batsman Gautam Gambhir is all set to open the innings with Murali Vijay. Gambhir will replace Shikhar Dhawan who injured his left thumb while batting in the second innings at Eden Gardens. He got hit by a Trent Boult delivery. Kohli confirmed that the team was not going to experiment with a make shift opener and instead give Gautam Gambhir a chance to resurrect his career after two years.
“That’s a natural change because of injury to Shikhar (Dhawan), natural because he is the third opener in the team,” said Kohli on the chances of Gambhir opening the innings with Murali Vijay.

Kohli also emphasized on managing the work load particularly by the fast bowlers.

“It’s very important to manage the work load, especially for the fast bowlers. For ODI matches, they have been given rest. It is a long Test season ahead and it gives opportunity to others to prove themselves,” said Kohli.

The Indian captain also added controlling sessions which don’t exactly go the team’s way is among the most crucial captaincy lessons that he has learnt so far in his tenure.
“One thing that stands out in the learning process is how to control a session which is not going your way. How to stop the runs and keep the pressure (on the opposition) when you are not taking wickets? That’s very important and something which I have experienced as captain,” Kohli said.

“It’s a very important time in a Test match, not to go too negative while (at the same time) controlling the runs (of the opposition). It’s a thin line, and it’s important not to go one-dimensional when things are not going your way.”

India have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.