Indian skipper Virat Kohli addressed the pre-match presser ahead of the Headingley Test starting from August 25. He spoke about a range of issues from teal selection to playing against England to pitch conditions to openers. However, he did not reveal what can be India’s ideal playing XI heading into the Test match. Here are the various topics he touched upon in the press conference.
On Ravichandran Ashwin’s Selection
“We are quite surprised with the surface here, expected it to be spicier,” Virat Kohli told the press. “I thought there would be more grass on the pitch. Anything is possible [regarding Ashwin’s chances of making the XI]. We always name a 12, and on the match day, we will have a look at the pitch and evaluate what it has to offer on Day Three or Day Four and accordingly will go ahead with the right combination.”
Virat Kohli On Playing Against England
“You never get set in England, you need to keep your ego in your pocket and come when you’re playing here. The conditions in England aren’t like other places where one can get set after they reach 30-40 and be confident of hitting the ball in any direction. When you’re in England, you need to keep batting the way you bat for your first 20 runs, and then repeat the template till you can.”
On The Indian Openers KL Rahul & Rohit Sharma
“Opening combination is one of the most important factors overseas to achieve your goals as a team,” Kohli said. “The way KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma have played has been outstanding. We hope they continue in the same manner because the opening partnership under these conditions is so crucial.”
Takeaways From Virat Kohli’s Presser
Here are few key points from Virat Kohli's press conference ahead of third test match against England#ENGvIND #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/681yxYf38Y
— All About Cricket (@allaboutcric_) August 24, 2021
On India’s Memorable History Of Staying Unbeaten At Headingley
“Honestly, I don’t think too much about history. History doesn’t guarantee you anything. What matters for us as a team is taking good decisions in the present moment we are in. Remembering the past or chasing it is something we don’t believe in as a team.”
Also Read: ENG vs IND 2021 Watch: Team India’s Final Preparations Ahead Of Headingley Test