A plan to bowl Lanka over

Chennai, August 2

India Test captain Virat Kohli has hinted that India will play an attacking brand of Test cricket under him. Unlike his predecessor MS Dhoni, who many thought was quite defensive when it came to Test cricket, the new captain made his intent clear when he fielded five bowlers against Bangladesh in the one-off Test.

Speaking before leaving for Sri Lanka for the three-Test series on Sunday, he said he would like to play five bowlers to give the team a maximum chance to pick 20 wickets. “You need to play a stronger bowling side in order to win Test matches. It’s more exciting and satisfying as well,” he said.

The skipper said he was open to playing three spinners on the Lankan wickets. “Playing three spinners is a possibility. The idea is to take 20 wickets. I strongly believe you need to play your best bowlers to give the team a chance to do that. With five bowlers, the top six have to take more responsibility in batting,” the skipper said.

Kohli said the Sri Lanka series will give him a proper chance to execute certain plans.

“It’s very exciting for me to play full series as captain and to be able to have the opportunity to execute certain things,” said Kohli.

Kohli also downplayed concerns about Murali Vijay’s fitness issues. “I do not see any issues with Vijay’s fitness. He has been very solid for us at the top. Few niggles here and there happen,” he said.

The skipper said he was happy to see competition at the top between KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan. “The spot is being contested strongly.  Rahul came through nicely when Shikhar was not performing well in Australia. Now, Shikhar has got runs again. So, it’s just a matter of balance, and who is playing well at particular point of time.”

The skipper also defended Rohit Sharma’s string of poor scores in Test matches. “Rohit is naturally gifted. So we want to give him time and opportunities to get a big score. He scores quickly, that gives the side more chance to bowl those extra 20-odd overs,” said Kohli. 

Use Viru’s Galle  knock as template: Dravid to Kohli

India A coach Rahul Dravid has advised Kohli to make Virender Sehwag’s unbeaten 201 at Galle (in 2008) against a rampaging Ajantha Mendis a reference frame to face the Lankan tweakers.

“If you see the way that series (2008) went, Mendis was a revelation. But Viru bhai took him on and whacked him. Couple of days back, I spoke about that innings with Dravid. He (Dravid) said it was Sehwag’s best innings,” said Kohli.

“That innings taught me how to play against the Lankan spinners in their conditions.  I am sure a lot of batsmen would want to watch it and learn how we can go about our business,” said Kohli.

Incidentally, Sehwag scored 201 out of 329 in that Indian innings, where eight players failed to get into double digits.

“I saw that innings, how he batted with the lower order, yet backing himself throughout. That teaches a lot to anyone wanting to make a mark in Test cricket. It is all about backing your ability, and not changing your game too much in different conditions and situations.” — Agencies