India’s stand-in captain KL Rahul has backed Virat Kohli to deliver the goods for the team in the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Rahul said Kohli’s mindset and attitude have always remained the same even when he wasn’t in good form.
Kohli recently got back into form in the T20I format as he had a spectacular run in the T20 World Cup, scoring 296 runs in six matches at an average of 98.67. Kohli then continued his good show and scored a fine knock of 113 runs in the third ODI against Bangladesh.
Thus, KL Rahul is hopeful India’s veteran batter will continue his good form in the all-important Test series against Bangladesh. Kohli has always been a consistent performer for the national team but the last couple of years haven’t been easy for him. However, he has broken the deadlock and seems to have returned back to his best.
“We haven’t really played too much Test cricket for you to pass that statement. He’s been in good form; he’s done really well for us in T20 cricket. Recently, he got that hundred against Bangladesh here. Obviously, he will take some confidence into the Test matches as well,” Rahul said in the press conference.
“He’s been around for so long. He is such an experienced player; he knows what to do. His mindset and attitude have always remained the same. The passion he has for the game, and the commitment he gives to the team, have been on show for everyone to see. He’s a great player. He has always found ways to get runs and I am sure he will do that again,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rahul will take the captaincy onus in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who will miss the first game due to a thumb injury. Rahul is hopeful of Rohit returning to the squad for the second Test match against the Tigers.
“Obviously, Rohit Sharma is a very important player for us. He’s very experienced and is the captain. When a captain gets injured, it’s something that the team will really miss. Fingers crossed, we hope he can come back for the second Test,” he added.
The first Test match will be played at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chhatogram from Wednesday.
