As the two-match Test series starts against Bangladesh on Thursday in Indore, captain Virat Kohli was very confident about India’s pace bowling attack. During the pre-match press conference, Kohli came across a question regarding whether he considers the Indian pacers among the top-3 in the world, to which he replied that they ‘are right at the top’.
Then at this point, Virat Kohli stated, “He never considers himself at the top, but the Indian pacer or the team and their efforts are always acknowledged. For me, the team and the Pacers are always at the top. We start with a conversation after getting Captaincy it was my responsibility to make my team and country shine.”
When asked what could be the strategy for the pace attack in the 1st Test match in Indore, Kohli hinted at fielding 3 seamers ‘after looking at the pitch’. Kohli also singled out long-time friend Ishant Sharma for special praise, adding that the lanky fast bowler ‘has probably been our most consistent bowler in the last years’.
He added, “Well, that (3 pacers) seems good after having a look 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. I think his experience will always be helpful 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 situations are swinging and seaming.”
