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Hardik Pandya has a bright chance to make Test debut: Virat Kohli

Indian skipper says Rohit Sharma will not open in the absence of K L Rahul

By Unnikrishnan

Galle, July 25: Indian skipper Virat Kohli said on Tuesday (July 25) that all-rounder Hardik Pandya has a good chance of making his Test debut in the first tie against Sri Lanka starting from Wednesday.

"We got a guy like Hardik Pandya, who has a knack of picking wickets. He has a great chance of playing as well. That gives us the balance. The extra batsman gave us more solidarity. We have taken learnings from that and we will surely apply that straightaway into the series. It is very important to have your strike bowlers to be able to pick up wickets," said Kohli.

Virat Kohli file picture

On the idea of using Rohit Sharma as an opener, Kohli said, "Rohit has never opened in Test cricket. We don't see that kind of experiment happening here because we have specialist openers in the team and they will obviously be starting this game."

K L Rahul was ruled of the first Test against Sri Lanka due to viral fever, leaving Shikhar Dhawan and Abhinav Mukund as two fit openers ahead of the first Test.

"Rahul is unfortunately down with fever. Luckily, it is not anything serious. So, he will get back in a few days. Rahul is a very established player for us, a very solid player. These kinds of scenarios present other players in the team with an opportunity to step up," he said.

India's victorious run in Test cricket started during their last trip to the Island nation in 2015, but Kohli said the team was not sitting on the past.

"It is very different sitting here after two years from those series two years back. We are able to build on that culture, mindset in the last couple of years. I think we have built a very good base for us as a team. We don't see any series as a launchpad but for playing consistently. We are humble in our preparation. Next phase of cricket for us is going to be challenging but we believe we have the kind of skills available to face the challenge," he said.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 3, 2017, 7:55 [IST]
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