IND vs BAN: As Team India gears up for the eagerly awaited Test series against Bangladesh, former cricket star Suresh Raina has thrown his weight behind Virat Kohli. Kohli, making his return to Test cricket after a brief hiatus, is expected to be the centerpiece of India’s batting lineup. Raina’s endorsement comes at a crucial time, with Kohli last donning the whites in January 2024.
Firstly, Kohli took a break during the five-match series against England to be with his family for the birth of his second child. Now, as he steps back onto the pitch, all eyes will be on him. Raina, speaking to IANS, emphasized Kohli’s passion for the Test format. “He loves Test matches and gives a lot of respect to them,” Raina noted, underscoring Kohli’s dedication to the longest form of cricket.
IND vs BAN: Suresh Raina Backs Virat Kohli for Big Runs in Upcoming Test Series Against Bangladesh
Moreover, Raina highlighted Kohli’s exceptional record and his ability to perform under pressure. “Virat thrives under pressure,” he said, predicting that Kohli will be at the heart of the action throughout this Test cycle. Leading up to the World Test Championship (WTC), India is slated to play around 10 matches. Raina believes this phase will see Kohli amassing a significant number of runs.
Transitioning to the specifics of the upcoming series, the first Test is scheduled in Chennai, followed by the second in Kanpur. Bangladesh, known for their robust pace attack, will pose a challenge, but Raina is confident in Kohli’s capabilities. “He has shown his prowess against bowlers like Haris Rauf,” Raina added, suggesting that Kohli’s skill set will counter the Bangladeshi bowlers effectively.
Additionally, Raina praised Rohit Sharma‘s leadership, who recently led India to victory in the T20 World Cup. However, he quickly shifted focus back to Kohli, suggesting that while Rohit’s captaincy has been commendable, Kohli’s return to Test cricket is a headline in itself.
The Indian squad has already touched down in Chennai, beginning their preparations for what promises to be an exciting series opener. The team’s training sessions are in full swing, with Kohli looking to find his rhythm back in the red-ball format.
Suresh Raina’s predictions set a high expectation for Virat Kohli in the forthcoming Tests. Kohli’s return is not just a boost for Team India’s batting but also adds depth to their strategy against Bangladesh. Fans are eager to see if Kohli can indeed turn Raina’s words into reality, making this series not just a contest of cricketing skills but also a stage for Kohli to reaffirm his dominance in Test cricket. As the series unfolds, Kohli’s performance will undoubtedly be a key narrative in India’s quest for supremacy in the Test arena.
