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Debasis Sen, Dubai: Indian captain Virat Kohli on Saturday indicated Shardul Thakur could be an option in the playing XI in the game against New Zealand at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

“He is definitely in our plans, constantly making a case for himself. Whether he fits in, that's obviously I can't talk about now,” said Kohli while speaking to the reporters in the pre match virtual press conference.

With Hardik Pandya showing signs of getting fit, the Indian team management will be hoping he can roll his arms for a couple of overs. The Indian captain also gave an update on Hardik’s shoulder injury he suffered in the game against Pakistan after being hit by a Shaheen Shah Afridi short ball.

“Hardik is fine if you are talking about the blow on shoulder. He is absolutely fine,” said Kohli.

If Shardul does make it to the playing XI, the axe may fall on Bhuvneshwar Kumar who looked a pale shadow of himself in the first match against Pakistan. But the Indian captain has defended Bhuvneshwar, saying, “I don't want to single out anyone. These are the guys who have done the job for us for long. You need to accept we were outplayed in the last game, without any ego or excuses.”

BlackCaps speedster Trent Boult earlier during the day commented he is hoping to mirror the bowling performance of Shaheen Shah Afridi in the game against India. Indian captain did not read too much into it rather would like to focus on his team’s preparation.

“We are obviously going to come up against quality bowlers. It all depends on how we take the field and the mentality. If he is motivated to emulate Shaheen, we are motivated to counter him. We have played against them for a long time,” said Kohli.

Finally on the sixth bowling option, Kohli said, “It is important you have a sixth bowling option. Whether it is through me or Hardik. But it all depends on the situation of the match. It all boils down to execution.”