Bengaluru: With Indian cricket team geared up for their busiest Test season comprising 17 five-day games, skipper Virat Kohli aptly stated that the coming days will be an indicator as to how they have shaped up as a Test unit.
“This is the perfect situation and opportunity to challenge and assess ourselves as a Test team. These months will define how we play as a Test team in coming years,” Kohli said at the pre-departure media conference ahead of Indian team’s tour of the West Indies.
Hailing Anil Kumble’s appointment as the team’s head coach, the Indian skipper said that now they have a man, who can also tell them how to win Test matches abroad.
“It is a huge boost for us that Anil bhai is our coach.
Bowlers will feel more support due to his presence. Especially as he is someone who has won so many matches for the country and knows what it requires to win matches both India and abroad,” Kohli said praising Kumble.
The skipper also pointed out how Kumble has brought a refreshing change to the team bonding sessions.
“Yesterday, he arranged a team activity (cricketers had a Drum Circle session with Vasundhara Das’s group) and it was fun. It was a surprise for us. Often due to the rigours of international cricket, we forget about team bonding session.
“These sessions helps in build camaraderie which shows on field. Even Dhoni bhai, who came for the meeting (Roadmap) joined us and enjoyed the session,” Kohli said mentioning that the limited overs captain also gave his inputs on the tour ahead.
Glovesman Wriddhiman Saha’s batting has been under scanner and KL Rahul is in the squad as the reserve keeper but Kohli made it clear that it would be the Bengal lad, who firmly remains the first-choice behind the stumps.
PTI