Spinners Will Play a Crucial Role in Second Test: Virat Kohli

Indian captain feels that the green pitch will have turn and bounce in the later stages of the match.

Virat Kohli addressing a press conference ahead of 2nd test match. (Photo: ANI screengrab)

Virat Kohli has said that his batsmen will have to take more responsibility on a “result-oriented” green wicket laid out for the second Test against the West Indies at the Sabina Park. Kohli said the visiting batsmen were good enough to tackle any pace and bounce that the West Indies’ bowlers may produce at Sabina Park and his side would look for a win to go 2-0 up in the four-Test series.

We believe that our batsmen are good enough to tackle any pace and bounce that West Indies’ bowlers have. The plan is to go out there and play with the determination and focus that we showed in the first game.

Virat Kohli, Captain, India

Kohli further added that although the pitch is green, there will be turn and bounce in the later stages of the match and that is when the role of spinners will be crucial. There has not been a draw at Sabina Park since 1998 with India winning by 63 runs on their last visit in 2011.

Meanwhile, Lokesh Rahul is set to play his first Test in the Caribbean after opener Murali Vijay has been ruled out owing to a thumb injury sustained on the first morning of the series.

Rahul has been in a very good zone. He scored runs in practice games, he scored in Zimbabwe and he had a great IPL season. It’s more a case of a guy waiting for an opportunity. He’s batting really well and wants to make it count.

Virat Kohli, Captain, India

(With inputs from PTI.)

Video editor: Mohd Ibrahim