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Virat Kohli’s decision to play for India A justified despite low score in 1st innings

Kohli's presence with the India A may have more benefits than what one may think.

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Virat Kohli © IANS
Virat Kohli was dismissed for 16 during the India A vs Australia A 2nd unofficial Test © IANS

Media’s favourite target or Indian Test skipper, Virat Kohli once again has proved that the sport is still the first priority in his life, and that he can never afford to neglect it at any cost. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had recently announced the Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka, and also revealed that Kohli requested them to allow him to be a part of India A squad that was taking part in a two-match unofficial Test series against Australia A at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Sakshi Gupta explains further on the topic.

The 21-year old Australian Ashton Agar had well suggested ahead of the second unofficial Test against India-A that they were looking forward to bowling the Indian skipper. And to a great delight for the visitors, it was the same youngster who sent Kohli back to the pavilion early on Day 2. The Delhi cricketer managed just 16 off 42 deliveries he faced. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli disappoints again; gets out for 16 in India A vs Australia A, 2nd unofficial Test

However, the point of interest here is that not every international captain forces the cricket board to let him play in unofficial matches, only to gain practice and to strengthen the game before leading his side in an overseas series. It is good news for team India, who will tour Sri Lanka next month that the skipper is not in a mood to take the series for granted. LIVE UPDATES: India A vs Australia A, 2nd unofficial Test at Chennai, Day 1

Can the people, who are blind-folded with the judgements made by the media about this man, see his commitment towards his country and the game? If Virat carries his girlfriend’s shopping bags, it  doesn’t imply that he has forgotten his duty towards cricket. It is very important to understand that he is a human being like us, and maintains a balance between his professional and personal life just like you and I!

Kohli, who was rested for the recently-concluded tour of Zimbabwe, will lead the Indian side in the Test series against Sri Lanka in August. This will be a good way to prepare  for other members of India A, who are a part of the squad travelling to Sri Lanka for the series starting August 12, to prepare along with the likes of Kohli.

After becoming the full time Test captain of the Indian team, he has played just two matches — the fourth Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and one match against Bangladesh when India toured their neighbours last month. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli asks for fans’ support for India tour of Sri Lanka 2015

While the Down Under tour was a decent tour for the Indian skipper despite India losing the series, the only Test against Bangladesh wasn’t a great one for him. The Delhi boy finished second behind Steve Smith with 692 runs off eight matches, which included four tons against Australia in December, but as it is said no player has his good form permanently. India played a Test match after five months, with Kohli struggled getting runs on the Asian tracks.

After losing to the hosts Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, the Kohli-led India had hoped they would move on from the forgettable tournament by performing well in Bangladesh. Alas, they didn’t know what was waiting for them in the Bangla-land. The only Test got finished as a draw with Kohli scoring just 14 runs. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli has qualities to match his aggression, says Viv Richards

In the last one year, India has played just three proper series in the whites. The idea of playing with the second-tier teams, especially they are being guided by one of the most successful Test players of all time in Rahul Dravid, is a good decision.

(Sakshi Gupta is a sports fanatic, enthusiastic and the mantra of her life is “Do only that what you enjoy”. She can be followed on Twitter @sakshi2929)

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