‘Good to see the pitch looking lively’

Indian captain Virat Kohli was happy with the pitch for the second Test here beginning Saturday.

He said, “It looks like a really lively pitch. Exactly what we expected it to be and we actually wanted it to be so that both teams are into the contest provided they play some good cricket.”

Asked about a sixth specialist batsman coming in or India going into the Test without a spinner, Kohli replied, “Look all kind of situations are possible… what are the pros and cons that come along with the scenarios. You finally come to a conclusion that feels balanced among all the situations you are thinking of.”

Kohli elaborated, “We have had a look at how games have panned out in the past here and how many overs have been bowled by fast bowlers and spinners. But it’s a good sign to see the pitch looking lively here.”

Queried whether vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane would be included in the eleven, Kohli answered, “It’s funny how things change in a matter of days. Before the first Test no one thought that he [Rahane] should be in the eleven and now suddenly people are looking at the other option. For us, as a team, it’s all about finding the right balance.”

Quality player

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Kohli said, “He’s [Rahane] a quality player, he’s done well in South Africa and all conditions actually away from home. He’s probably been our most consistent and solid player away from home. I’m not saying that Ajinkya cannot or will not start in this game.”

The Indian captain said his team did not have to panic because of collapses at Newlands and added the batsmen needed to apply.”

Talking about pitches in South Africa, he said: “You got to accept mentally that the bounce would be steep and from a length too.”

Explaining what he meant by ‘intent’, Kohli replied, “Intent doesn’t really mean playing shots from ball one. Intent is there in “leaving the ball”. Intent is there in defending as well. Intent is about being vocal out there in calling.”