ENG vs IND: Virat Kohli hints at possible changes in the team’s bowling attack owing to workload management

India skipper Virat Kohli spoke about his team’s plan and ruled out the possibility of playing an extra batter in the fourth Test starting on September 02 at The Oval. Indian batting was fairly disappointing in Headingley. Barring some resistance from Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Kohli in the second innings, the rest of the batters failed to get going.

However, Kohli has clearly stated that he will play five specialist bowlers, saying going in with four bowlers gives you less chance of taking 20 wickets. “I don't believe in that balance and, I have never believed in that balance because either you can try and save a defeat or you can try and win a game. And we have drawn games in the past with a similar number of batters,” Kohli said during the presser.

 “If your top six (including keeper) don’t do the job there is no guarantee that the extra guy can bail you out. You have to take pride in taking responsibility and doing the job for the team. If you don't have the ability or resources to take 20 wickets in a Test match, then you are already playing for two results and, that's not how we play,” he added.

Kohli also indicated there will be a change in the Indian bowling lineup for the fourth Test, saying managing workload of the fast bowlers is very important to keep them fresh. With Ravindra Jadeja injuring his knee in the third Test and Kohli indicating he will shuffle the bowling attack, Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur getting a game at Kennington Oval is a high possibility. 

“That's bound to happen as it's a logical and sensible thing to do. We don't want to push individuals to a place where they break down and, that conversation is important,” Kohli said.