New ICC regulations make the game more exciting, says Virat Kohli
Internet Desk: India skipper Virat Kohli today backed the team management’s decision of ‘resting’ ace spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin by saying that everyone should feel about the workload of the bowlers as they have a long series in abroad.
“We need to find out best bowling combinations before the World Cup, we always had in mind to bring wrist spinners. We didn’t want to play both together but now it’s too tempting considering the way they have been playing. It’s also about rhythm and understanding the workload of the bowlers. Ashwin and Jadeja have been playing for the past 6-7 years. We also have to see how much we expose certain bowlers who play for us across formats,” Kohli said.
He further added that every player know the dynamics of the team,”Despite all the talk which is going around, everyone understand the team dynamics going ahead.”
Kohli also cleared the air on KL Rahul’s omission from the squad as the team wanted a batsman who could bat well in the middle-order, and Dinesh Karthik would be the best replacement on that place.
“We look to give chances to players who have the ability to perform at this level. At the same time, we have to strike a right balance between youth and experience. DK has come in for KL, because we didn’t want a situation that happened with Jinx(Rahane). He was forced to bat in the middle-order, KL has usually opened for the state team while Karthik bats regularly in the middle-order.” Kohli explained.
Kohli also lauded Rahane’s performances at the top order in the absence of star opener Shikhar Dhawan.
“He has grabbed his opportunities as third opener, he has stood up and taken his chances. We can play only two openers and he understands the dynamics.” Kohli said.
India will play under new rules against New Zealand during the ODI series. Kohli said they will discuss about this matter ahead of the game.
“There are few rule changes which are quite interesting, guys will need awareness but then we will get used to it. The rule changes certainly make things more exciting and more professional. It helps you focus on what needs to be done during the game.”
India is playing a lot of cricket since the start of the year. On being asked about their hectic schedule,”
Virat Kohli & Co. are playing cricket without a break since last January. On being asked about the team’s hectic schedule Virat replied,”This is New Zealand’s first ODI assignment after the Champions Trophy. Resting and recovery is also important for players, sometimes it can be the difference between doing well in a tournament and not doing well. Our schedule has become quite hectic and it is something that needs to be looked at.” Kohli said, while signing off.