India Test captain Virat Kohli has addressed the press before the series-deciding third and final Test match against South Africa at the Newlands in Cape Town. The veteran right-handed batsman had missed the second Test match at the Wanderers due to a back spasm which South Africa won by 7 wickets and successfully levelled the series.
In Kohli’s absence, KL Rahul had led India but now, Kohli has confirmed that he is fit for the all-important third Test. With his presence, India will have a great opportunity to register their first-ever Test series win in South African as well. However, Kohli said that Mohammed Siraj, who had sustained a hamstring injury in the first innings of the previous Test, is not “match-ready” yet.
“I am absolutely fit,” said Virat Kohli. The India captain had missed the second Test due to a back spasm but will return to the XI for the decider, he confirmed on Monday. “Mohammed Siraj is not match-ready to play third Test, can’t take risk” Virat Kohli added. Siraj had sustained a hamstring injury while bowling in the first innings of South Africa in the second Test at Johannesburg.
I would have done certain things differently- Virat Kohli on KL Rahul’s Captaincy in 2nd innings
Meanwhile, Kohli also commented on KL Rahul‘s captaincy. Notably, he has been in a good form with the bat. Kohli even opened up on Rishabh pant’s current form who came under the scanner after getting out poorly. The captain shared his views on Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. They both have scored fifties after a long time.
“I think Rishabh Pant will learn from his mistakes and come out as a better cricketer. We did have a chat with him and I’m sure he is a matured cricketer to learn from his mistakes,” Kohli said. “Transitions do happen but they happen naturally. I think we should leave the transition to unfold itself and not necessarily force a certain individual into a transition.”
“KL (Rahul) tried to take wickets in the second innings but South Africa played very good cricket. I don’t think he could have done anything different there. Yes, I probably would have done certain things differently but the objective would have been the same. Every individual has a different style of captaining,” Virat Kohli concluded.
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