India's Test captain Virat Kohli confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha is available for the second Test match against New Zealand after recovering from his stiff neck. KS Bharat had kept wickets for Saha in better part of both innings of the recently concluded Kanpur Test.
Speaking ahead of the second Test, Kohli said Saha is fit, but they are yet to discuss the playing eleven combination. The combination will be decided to keep Mumbai's weather conditions in mind.
“Saha is fit as of now and he has completely recovered from a stiff neck issue. The combination of the playing XI we have to discuss, keeping in mind the weather conditions in Mumbai. We can’t assume that weather will be like this on all five days of the Test match," said Kohli.
Kohli was rested for the first Test and he will return to the side in Mumbai, which assures a new playing eleven. When asked if he would drop someone like Ajinkya Rahane or R Ashwin for the next Test, the India captain replied, “All the members of the team understand where the team is placed."
"We always communicate well and if someone needs to be dropped it is combination based. This is not a difficult task when there is collective trust in the team as we prioritize the team first. The discussion always happens in our team in a rounded manner," he said.
The 33-year-old admitted that he likes playing at Wankhede Stadium and he has some good memories from this venue. “I enjoy playing at the Wankhede and have happy memories playing here," he said.
Kohli further spoke on his batting approach and said, "You can’t bat in the same manner all the time. If the situation demands me to bat longer, keep one end secure, I will bat accordingly.”
