Virat Kohli Speaks on Ishant’s Return & Hints at Gurkeerat’s Debut

Video | On the eve of the 2nd Test vs South Africa, Virat talks about changes in his squad and the team’s 16th man

(Photo: AP)

India’s Test captain Virat Kohli feels there is no need “to take criticisms to heart” about playing visiting South Africans on turning tracks, saying it is the result-oriented pitches that would bring the dwindling crowd back to the ground in the Test format.

Asked if the hat-trick of Test wins under his captaincy has been buried under the controversies surrounding the nature of Mohali track, Kohli gave a straightforward reply.

It’s only disappointing if you are looking to take what is written or said to heart, or think about it too much. We focus on the process and don’t really think about what’s being written or what’s being said. The fact of the matter is we won a Test match and that’s what we feel good about as a team.

Virat Kohli

Gurkeerat, who bats right-handed and is an off-spinner, was drafted as the 16th member of the side last evening after being kept as a reserve fielder during the Test match in Mohali.

He (Gurkeerat) has earned his call-up. He certainly fits in scheme of things and don’t be surprised if you see him playing soon. He is a very dangerous, instinctive player, who can take the game away from opposition. He (Gurkeerat) is also bowling well but he is primarily a batsman.

Virat Kohli

The skipper also expressed his delight at having Ishant Sharma back in the playing XI but at the same time praised Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron for bowling 20-odd tight overs during the Mohali Test.

I’m very delighted that Ishant is back. The way he is bowling and the way he bowled in Sri Lanka brings a lot to the table. With Ishant coming in, he brings in a lot of experience. He’s bowled well in sub-continental conditions, knows how to reverse the (old) ball, can lead the pace attack.

Virat Kohli