There is no need to panic: Kohli
CENTURION: India captain Virat Kohli said there is no need to panic after the second innings batting collapse at Newlands, expressing confidence that the batsmen have emerged from the 72-run defeat more matured.
However, Virat Kohli added they would decide on the opening combination only after training, adding to the growing suspense over the possible team combination for the second Test starting at the SuperSport Park here on Saturday.
“I don’t think we need to panic because of collapses. People need to apply themselves much better. Whether we are playing five batsmen or six, you still need to apply yourself.
It doesn’t mean that if you are playing six batters, you can afford to go out and play loose shots. You still need to have a solid technique and go out there and be ready to face bowling spells which are going to be difficult,” Kohli said at the pre-match press conference here on Friday.
“As far as the opening combination goes, we will decide today at the end of practice what is it that we are going to go with in this game.
We might do something different also, but there is definitely no need to panic.”
From the press box end on Friday, KL Rahul was seen walking up to the pitch and visualising the bowling. Later, Murali Vijay was seen walking down the track. If Kohli’s not too hung up on the left-right opening combination, he will have an easier time replacing Shikhar Dhawan with Rahul.
Otherwise, Parthiv Patel comes into the equation – as opener and wicketkeeper -- and that might see Wriddhiman Saha, who effected 10 dismissals in Cape Town, being benched. Knowing Kohli’s preference for specialists, that might be extreme but he is also infamous for not fielding the same XI across 33 consecutive Tests.
Kohli though defends the constant changes.
“The lineup has changed in the past due to conditions, also because of injuries on many occasions. That’s something that has continued for a while. The balance is as easy or as difficult as the performance of the team,” said Kohli.
“We are very happy with the way the bowlers went about the business. The batting didn’t come out well; I’m not worried on the bowling front at all. We have been in a very good space and we believe we can get them out twice again in this game.
“You definitely need that to win Test matches, but you also need a solid batting performance. Especially when you are playing away from home, you need that 60-70-80 extra runs compared to back home because there your bowlers will be stronger.”
People need to apply themselves much better. Whether we are playing five batsmen or six, still need to apply yourself. We are very happy with the way the bowlers went about the business. The batting didn’t come out well.