Cricket: Kohli Admits India Need To Play Spin Better
Muhammad Rameez Published September 21, 2016 | 04:25 PM
KANPUR, India, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News -21st Sept,2016) : Skipper Virat Kohli conceded Wednesday that India must bat better against spin, as the favourites prepare to take on a dangerous New Zealand in the first Test in Kanpur.
Kohli pointed to India's loss last year at the hands of Sri Lanka's spinners on a raging turner as evidence of his side's weakness, as they begin their quest to regain the number one world ranking spot.
His team take on the Black Caps on Thursday in the first of three Tests and India's 500th in total, at Kanpur's Green Park which is expected to prove favourable to spinners. "It's an area where we can improve, we have lost a Test match in Sri Lanka because we couldn't play as well as we would have liked," Kohli told reporters.
"The team wants to improve on that aspect of the game, (its) something that (we) surely need to get stronger," he said, adding that his batsmen were working on this. Sri Lankan veteran spinner Rangana Herath claimed seven wickets to skittle India for 112 last August in a stunning victory, although India went on to win the next two matches.
Kohli, known for his aggressive brand of cricket, said he was impressed with New Zealand's "fearless" style of play in recent times and believes the visitors will prove tough opponents. "I think Kane is leading the side very well.
We expect very good competition and good hard-fought cricket," Kohli said of his opposite number Kane Williamson.
India, who start the series strong favourites after their recent 2-0 away victory against the West Indies, are also eyeing a return to the top of the International Cricket Council rankings.
India recently toppled Australia from the top of the rankings, only to be leapfrogged by their archrivals Pakistan. India's spin king Ravichandran Ashwin is in form, picking up 17 wickets in the Caribbean, while batsmen Lokesh Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane have also been in good knick.
Williamson said his young side would be looking to build on their success at this year's World Twenty20 when they reached the semi-finals. "We have got some exciting young talent. We showed that in the T20 world cup." "That was huge for us.
Yes, the formats are different, but I am hoping we can build on from those experiences," the 26-year-old said. New Zealand, who recently suffered a 1-0 loss against South Africa, will be counting on its spin bowlers including Indian-born Ish Sodhi, along with Mitchell Santner and Mark Craig.
"Yes, how our spin bowlers bowl will be important. But at the same time we are hoping for a bit of reverse swing and that certainly brings the seamers into it," said Williamson, who heads into his third series as skipper.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Selection committee dissolved over Pakistan women cricket team's poor performanc ..
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in police uniform at Chung police center
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
Pakistan, Japan agrees to convene 'Economic Policy Dialogue'
FM Dar conveys deepest sympathy on torrential rains devastation in UAE
Spain PM Sanchez says weighing resignation after wife's graft probe
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
Long-lost Klimt portrait auctioned off for 30 mn euros
More Stories From Sports
-
Selection committee dissolved over Pakistan women cricket team's poor performance
25 minutes ago -
Paris holds its breath for Olympic swimming events in murky Seine
2 hours ago -
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
12 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
13 hours ago -
Osaka seals first win on clay since 2022 in Madrid
13 hours ago -
Watford hire Cleverley as permanent boss
13 hours ago
-
Karachi, Lahore, Multan win matches of National Women’s Cricket Tournament
13 hours ago -
No communication gap among players, asserts Babar Azam
13 hours ago -
Bracewell looks ahead to Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan
13 hours ago -
Bolt named ICC Men’s T20 WC 2024 ambassador
14 hours ago -
Kewell's Yokohama beat Ulsan to reach Asian Champions League final
15 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
16 hours ago