Indian Test team captain Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble is hosting their final press conference before leaving for West Indies. The coach and captain duo talked about how the days ahead for Indian Test team is going to be. They also revealed their philosophy on Test cricket.
Captain Virat Kohli said wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha will be his first preference as the Bengal gloveman “has shown a lot of improvement”.
“We will give first preference to Wriddhiman on WestIndiess tour,” captain Virat says. Coach Anil Kumble, who is going to his first overseas tour after being appointed as coach said, “West Indies are a tough side at home”.
Asked about how the practice session at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, Virat said, “The camp has been very productive.”
Kohli also said as a captain he also has to back the batsmen. “As a batting group, we need to back each other.”
Kohli also talked about the mantra of winning a Test match, “We need to be stronger during crucial sessions in Test matches.”
When asked about ranking Indian batting star said, “high standards is not to become No. 1 in Tests, it’s all about winning matches.” “Rankings are just an incentive. If we win the series and go to no. 1, it’s good,” Virat further added.
Meanwhile, coach Kumble cleared that he will not go with predecided XI as India will get a few match practice in West Indies so that will help the coach to make the first XI for the first Test will start on July 21. “We have a couple of practice games ahead of the first Test. We will try the combinations.”
Kumble also expressed his affection for Virat Kohli as he said, “I Love Virat Kohli’s aggression. Even, I was aggressive at my time.” The 45-year-old coach also said, “The expectations to win in West Indies will always be there.”
The coach also said he will help to build most formidable XI for the first Test. He said, “as a coach I want a team to win and I want to prepare them.” Kumble also said as India will many Test matches this year so that will help him to improve the shortcoming. “We’ll be playing a lot of Test cricket, we’ll be able to analyse the shortcomings if any.”
Kumble also wants to ensure that India would become a consistent team in Test cricket. “We will ensure that we should be consistent in future Test series.”