Bizarre to think futures are at stake, says Kohli

NOTTINGHAM: India’s under-fire batsmen are focused on the Trent Bridge Test starting on Saturday and not fretting over what would happen if they fail again, skipper Virat Kohli said ahead of the game the visitors must not lose if they are to stay alive in the five-match series.

India are considering whether to play a sixth batsman after trailing 0-2 going into the third Test following batting collapses in both matches.

Asked if had spoken to batsmen to explain the situation they were in, he said: “I don’t think anyone is thinking like that. Those are things created on the outside. People like to make a lot (out) of nothing, basically. For us, the priority is just to win games of cricket. We are not thinking whether someone’s career is on the line or what is going to happen to their future. You are already asking the guys to think about something that is beyond anyone’s control. I mean when it’s your time, it’s your time.

“Everyone has had their time in the past; no one can play for ever. But that day is not today. We need to focus on this Test and not think about whether someone’s career is on the line. That is quite a bizarre thought to have.”

Has he spoken and given batsmen security? “That is basically your thinking. I’m not thinking like that. I don’t speak to the guys like assuring them that their careers are not on the line.”

Kohli said he was free of the back stiffness suffered at Lord’s. He hinted India could play a sixth batsman, but was clear there was no selection dilemma about recalling pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has recovered from a broken left thumb, and leaving out Umesh Yadav again.

“Depends on what the surface is like. If there is going to be enough assistance for the bowlers then the extra batter might come into play, but if not, if the pitch is going to be quite even for batting and bowling then picking 20 wickets will be the priority.