IND vs SL LIVE: Rohit Sharma stays tight-lipped on combination- On Virat Kohli’s 100th Test, Rohit Sharma will make his Test captaincy debut. But taking a page out off Kohli’s books, he stayed tight-lipped on the combination. However, he hinted at an extra spinner, saying the Mohali pitch looks dry and there will be assistance for spinners. Follow Insidesport.in for all India vs Sri Lanka live updates.
“The pitch we have seen in Mohali is similar to the past. The pitch looks dry a bit. But it looks like a typical Indian pitch. But definitely, it will turn,” Rohit Sharma said at the pre-match press conference.
IND vs SL LIVE: Rohit Sharma HINTS at extra spinner but stays tight-lipped on Playing XI – Follow LIVE Updates
Virat Kohli’s 100th Test
It’s been a brilliant journey. It’s been a long journey. He has done exceedingly well in this format. It’s been brilliant to watch that. One hell of a ride for him. We definitely want to make it special for him and let’s hope we have good five days for him.
Memory of Virat that you cherish
As a team, the series win in Australia was great for the team and Virat was the captain. As a batsman, it was his Test hundred against South Africa in 2013. It was a challenging wicket and to face someone like Dale Steyn was never easy. He scored a century in the first innings. He scored a century in Perth but that was the best knock.
Debut Test as a captain
Honestly, I am looking forward to win games and do the right things with the right players. As a Test team, we stand at a good position and the credit goes to Virat Kohli himself. I just have to take it forward. We want to improve as a team and correct our mistakes.
IND vs SL LIVE: Rohit Sharma HINTS at extra spinner but stays tight-lipped on Playing XI – Follow LIVE Updates
New faces in batting lineup
Whenever there are changes in the squad, it is a fresh start for those who are coming in. They are going to replace two great batsmen. But they have done well in limited opportunities and have been waiting for an opportunity.
Missing experience
It’s going to be challenging, no doubt. We are in the middle of the table. It is going to be important for us to win games. The nine Test matches, we are going to play, we have to each one.
Who will open?
I have no preference on who should open. We will take a call before the match. All of them should be given long run and show them support. Hopefully, Vihari, Mayank, Shubman & Shreyas have support from all of us.
No 3 and No 5
I don’t know who is going to come in. You will have to wait till tomorrow to see who comes in. Whoever comes in will have big shoes to fill. All those overseas Test wins, World No 1, Rahane and Pujara have contributed immensely. But they are still under consideration for future Tests.
IND vs SL LIVE: Rohit Sharma HINTS at extra spinner but stays tight-lipped on Playing XI – Follow LIVE Updates
Test captaincy debut
It’s a completely different format. But my philosophy of captaincy will remain the same.
Sri Lanka team and personal target
My target is set for the team and I have no personal targets. I have no regrets playing just 40 Tests. There have been ups and downs in my career and a lot of injuries. I have learnt a lot.
I don’t want to focus a lot on the opposition and rather focus on our own performance.
Wicket & Crowd
The pitch we have seen in Mohali is similar to the past. The pitch looks dry a bit. But it looks like a typical Indian pitch. But definitely, it will turn.
It’s great to have crowd back. Virat is playing 100th Test and will have the crowd’s support.
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IND vs SL LIVE: Rohit Sharma HINTS at extra spinner but stays tight-lipped on Playing XI – Follow LIVE Updates