NEW DELHI: After a nine-month break from
Test cricket
, Virat Kohli is poised to rejoin the team for a grueling schedule of 10 Test matches, starting with a two-Test series against Bangladesh in Chennai.
With the Indian men's cricket team preparing for a pivotal season in the
World Test Championship
(WTC), all eyes are on Kohli's return to the longest format of the game.
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has expressed immense confidence in Kohli's ability to excel in this crucial period. Raina predicts a run-fest from the star batsman.
"Rohit is a fantastic captain and he proved it when the Indian team lifted the
T20 World Cup
Trophy. But the focus will be on Virat Kohli's return to Red-ball cricket. He loves Test matches and gives a lot of respect to them. Leading to the WTC, India will play around 10 matches and I believe Virat will score a hell of runs in this Test cycle," Raina told IANS.
This anticipation is fueled by Kohli's track record of thriving under pressure, evident in his recent performances at the T20 World Cup. Raina believes that the challenging bowling attacks of Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia will only serve to elevate Kohli's game.
“Virat thrives under pressure, and this whole Test season will see him at the centre of action. Bangladesh has strong pacers, but Kohli has shown his prowess against bowlers like Haris Rauf. Challenges boost him, and I expect him to shine,” Raina added.
While Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been instrumental in India's recent successes, including their T20 World Cup victory, Kohli's return is an invaluable asset for India as they aim to solidify their position at the top of the WTC standings.
India currently lead the WTC table with a commanding 68.52% win percentage, a testament to their dominance in the format.
However, the scars of two consecutive WTC final defeats, against New Zealand and Australia, remain. This season presents an opportunity for India to exorcise those demons and claim the coveted Test mace.
The upcoming series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia are not mere stepping stones for India. Bangladesh, ranked fourth in the WTC standings, will be eager to upset the top-ranked team and climb the table.
New Zealand and Australia, both formidable opponents in Test
cricket
, will test India's mettle in their own backyard.
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