Virat Kohli does not rule out the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in playing XI for third test at Headingley

India captain Virat Kohli during his pre match press conference at Headingley on Wednesday.

Xtra Time Web Desk: India captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday heaped loads of praises on Mohammed Siraj ahead of the third test at Headingley. Siraj’s meteoric rise is hardly a surprise for India skipper Virat Kohli who says the pacer’s confidence has now risen to a level where he believes that he can get any batsman out at any point of the game.
The pacer from Hyderabad has made rapid strides in international cricket since making his test debut against Australia. The 27-year-old Hyderabad pacer has taken 11 wickets in the first two Tests of the series against England. His impeccable line and length and control has troubled the home batsmen consistently. Eight of his 11 wickets came at the Lord’s Test that India won by 151 runs.
“I was not surprised at all (with his growth) because I have seen him from close quarters. He is a guy who has always had the skill. You need the confidence to back that skill, the Australia series provided him with that boost and confidence,” Kohli said at a virtual media interaction on the eve of the third Test.


He added, “I am really happy to see him coming into his own, he is going to be this kind of bowler, who is in your face and who is looking to get guys out and who is not scared, he is not going to take a backward step.”

Kohli was also full of praise for his openers — Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul — and expected them to continue their good form. Rohit (36, 12, 83 and 21) and Rahul (84, 26, 129, 5) have given India a solid platform so far in the series.
 “The opening combination, when you are playing overseas, is one of the most important factors. So, the way KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma have played, has been outstanding and we hope that they continue in the same manner.”

 Kohli also said that he expected a different wicket at the Lord’s than what the team eventually encountered.
 “We were quite surprised to see the pitch the way it was, honestly I did not expect it and I thought there would be more grass. Anything is possible, we name a 12 and on the day, we have a look at the pitch, accordingly, we will go in with the right combination,” Kohli said, indicating Ravichandran Ashwin is very much in contention for a place in the playing XI for the third test.