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Virat Kohli’s Statement on Upcoming South Africa Tour May Seem Good Excuse to Some Fans
It is expected to be the first big test under Kohli’s captaincy since India have generally fared poorly in tough away conditions in countries like South Africa, Australia, England and New Zealand.
New Delhi: Virat Kohli spoke about the lack of preparation that India will have for the upcoming tour of South Africa which kicks off with a two-day warm-up match on December 30 followed by the first Test starting on January 5. It is expected to be the first big test under Kohli’s captaincy since India have generally fared poorly in tough away conditions in countries like South Africa, Australia, England and New Zealand.
Ahead of the second Test match against Sri Lanka on Friday, Kohli said, “Yes (we requested for the pace-friendly wickets), because unfortunately we get only two days before we fly to South Africa after this series gets over. So we have no choice but be in a game situation and think of what’s coming ahead of us.”
He added, “Had we got a month off ideally, we would have done a proper preparation in a camp sort of scenario. But we have to sort of make do with what we have. As usual cramped for time, which I think we needed to assess in future as well because we very easily assess the team when go abroad but we don’t look at how many days we have got to prepare before we go to a particular place to play.”
He further added, “Everyone starts judging players when results come after Test matches. It should be a fair game where we get to prepare the way we want to and then we are entitled to be criticised. So we thought this is an ample opportunity for us to challenge ourselves, put us in a situation.”
He went on and said, “As I said, we want to embrace being in difficult conditions. I am not saying that everyone will go out and perform immediately but if we can feel comfortable about it after one or two or three innings, someone will come good. And once you come good, you build on that confidence. It’s the same for the bowlers. Yes, we are looking at this as an opportunity.”
Now what is strange is the timing of Kohli’s statement. It is obvious that this is the pattern of away tours that you get kicking with the first Test after a quick, short warm-up match. Also India were blown away for 172 in the first innings of the first Test on a green wicket in Kolkata, telling us that their batting line-up is vulnerable against the quick men.
So Kohli’s statement on the upcoming South Africa tour seemed more like a defence than a real explanation. Not to forget that the schedule was drawn several days ago and it is odd for the captain to bring it up now. One hopes that it was just a genuine mistake and not a case of already feeling the pinch of a tough, challenging battle ahead.
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