KL Rahul is our Number One Choice, Says Kohli Ahead of 2nd Test
Nov 16, 2016 at 1:49 PM
Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli on Wednesday hinted that KL Rahul, who’s inclusion in the squad ahead of the 2nd Test came as a surprise, might just replace Gautam Gambhir in the opening slot, saying that, “KL is our number one choice along with Vijay in the Vizag Test.”
The 28-year-old admitted that the hamstring injury was the reason for Rahul’s absence from the squad in the first Test. Backing it, Virat said, “Me along with the management was waiting for him to get fit and when he is fit at any stage, he comes back into the team and we are going to start with him.”
Talking about Gautam Gambhir’s contribution in the top of the order, the Delhi lad said, “In the meantime, Gautam got the chances and he played really well in different situations.”
Virat also shared his thoughts on the pitch for the second Test, after he was left surprised by the one that was presented for the Rajkot Test, which was a grassy and hard track.
“In India, pitches have generally assisted spinners. So I expect the wicket to do the same”. The skipper further added, “We played an ODI game over here where spinners got few wickets but at the same time the quick bowlers had the assistance too early on. It’s a wicket where spinners will find it easy to bat on”.
When asked about the combination of the playing eleven, Virat stayed tight-lipped but said that with so much of variety in the team squad, few surprises might just come in.
India will face England in the second Test match at Visakhapatnam, starting on Thursday.