New Delhi: The international cricket will return to India for the first time post-COVID-19 pandemic as they host England in the first of the four-match Test series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
During the virtual pre-match press conference on Thursday (February 4), Kohli recalled Pant’s match-winning knock in the final Test in the recently-concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy and stated that the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman will be behind the stumps over Wriddhiman Saha.
“Rishabh Pant will start (in the first Test). He is in a good headspace and he has come along very nicely. He is working hard on all aspects of the game. There is good reason what he did in Australia gives all of us hope going ahead,” Kohli said.
Kohli also indicated there was no place for complacency when it comes to his team’s chances in India. “When you keep winning, the challenges get bigger. You have to up your game further then. Longevity, consistency, and success are the secrets to playing at this level. We will carry the same intensity, belief and determination on the field tomorrow, as we did in Australia,” he added.
Asked about stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, who led India’s historic triumph after the regular captain’s departure on paternity leave, Kohli said both of them share a ‘great camaraderie’. He also said that his bonding with Rahane off the field also helps in their on-field relationship.
“Not just Jinks and me, the camaraderie of the whole team is based on trust and all of us are working towards only one goal and that is to see India win. I would like to mention, he fulfilled his responsibility in Australia with flying colours, it was amazing to see him lead the team towards victory, which has always been our goal.
“Me and Jinks, we have always enjoyed batting with each other. It’s quite evident on the field that we share mutual respect. There is bonding off the field also. We do chat a lot, stay in touch and it’s a relation based on trust,” the Indian captain said.
