Virat Kohli confirms Rishabh Pant in India's XI for first England test; drops Kuldeep hint

On eve of first Test against England, Indian skipper Virat Kohli has confirmed that Rishabh Pant will assume wicketkeeping duties at Chepauk following his glorious form in Australia. Kohli, who has returned to squ after missing last three Tests Down Under, exuded confidence in youngster and remarked that Pant will continue to be 'backed'. Indian skipper also shed light on Chepauk pitch, his camarerie with Ajinkya Rahane and plans for Kuldeep Yav. 

"Rishabh Pant will play for us in first Test. He will keep wickets. He me a impact performance for us recently and is high on confidence. He will continue to be backed, can be a consistent match-winner for us," Kohli told media in pre-match press conference on Thursday. Indian skipper also confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will start at Chepauk highlighting his heroics against England in last home series. He also hinted at continuing with opening pair of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma in long haul. 

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'Kuldeep in scheme of things'

Speaking of plans for Kuldeep Yav, who has been warming bench since he sprung to limelight, Kohli said that with start of home season chinaman will be in 'scheme of things' hinting at his inclusion in Tests against England. chinaman failed to make it into playing XI in Australia, despite Team India being marred with injuries. Asserting that manment tries to give goals to every player, Kohli sounded hopeful as he stated that Kuldeep Yav 'has worked on certain areas'. 

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Highlighting that pitch at Chepauk seems batting-friendly, Kohli ted that it will have something for fast bowlers as well. " combination we have h in past, where players can bat and bowl, will be our outlook going forward," he ded. " camarerie within team is based on trust. Ajinkya Rahane fulfilled his duties in Australia with flying colours. We enjoy each or's company and batting toger. We stay in touch off field as well," Indian skipper said while speaking of Rahane's role in dressing room and Australia. 

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India Vs England: Test series

With finale berth of World Test Championship being prize of series, Tests between India and England promise to be cracker as both teams are riding high confidence with a series win against Sri Lanka and Australia.   tour kicks off with first Test that will be played in Chennai's M.A. Chidambaram Stium. second Test match will also be played at same venue between February 13-17. newly revated Motera Stium in Ahmedab will be contesting final two games (Feb 24-28) & (March 4-8) respectively. BCCI has also opened gates for crowds from second Test onwards allowing fans to catch action live. 

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