Prithvi Shaw’s progress excites skipper Virat Kohli

Team India have a relatively younger batting line-up for the Test series starting tomorrow. While many would consider it as a liability and a headache for the captain. Virat Kohli is looking at the positives. Ahead of the first Test in Adelaide, Virat Kohli spoke about how exciting a prospect Prithvi Shaw is.

“Prithvi would be playing in Australia for the first time. I think it is very exciting to see his progress,” said Kohli on the eve of India’s first away pink ball test.

Team India have two new names in the opening department with Prithvi Shaw named alongside U-19 teammate Shubhman Gill. Mayank Agarwal too is fairly new to the set-up and will be expected to deliver at the big occasion.

Kohli also expressed his desire to see how Gill goes about his game whenever he gets an opportunity.

“Shubman has not gotten opportunities at this level yet in Test cricket, as and when he gets an opportunity, it would be interesting to see how he goes about things because he is a very confident young man. Prithvi has performed at the Test level but he would be playing in Australia for the first time. I think it is very exciting to see his progress as well,” said Kohli in the pre-match presser.

Prithvi Shaw was part of the Test squad when India travelled to Australia for the Test series last time. However, he twisted his ankle during a practice game, opening the doors for Mayank Agarwal, who grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

“Mayank did well here when he last came during the 2018-19 series. It is exciting to have young guys in the field, you can literally tell them to enjoy their skillsets in the middle,” Kohli added.

However, when asked about the team combination, particularly the chance of KL Rahul featuring in the final XI, Virat Kohli did not divulge much information.

“It all boils down to the combination, KL Rahul is a quality player that is why he made his way back into the Test side, in the end, we have to see the balance and combination of the team. Where Rahul fits into our team is a conversation we will have to monitor closely. We have to bring our best squad to Australia and whatever combination you go with is dependent on the conditions,” said Kohli.

With Australia winning the ODI series and India bagging the T20Is, first Test starting tomorrow at Adelaide promises to be another thrilling contest