Virat Kohli Likely to Bat at No. 3 During 1st Test vs New Zealand at Chinnaswamy. VIRAL PIC is PROOF

In the absence of Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli is likely to play at No. 3 during the first Test at M. Chinnaswamy. Now that India have won the toss and opted to bat first, Kohli was spotted padded up already inside the dressing-room, hinting that he may walk in at No. 3. Kohli is a regular at No. 4 in Tests and hence it would be a change for him. In the team sheet, KL Rahul 's name features at No. 3, and hence it would be interesting to see who comes in at the very important No. 3. The picture of Kohli padded up inside the dressing-room is already going viral as speculations have started. Here is the much talked about picture. 

‘Gill misses out, Sarfaraz comes in’

"We assess where we are decide what needs to be done as a team. We have played well in the last few Test matches. Fresh series for us and we want to start well. From the last Test two changes, Gill misses out, Sarfaraz comes in. Kuldeep comes in for Akash," Rohit said at the toss after winning it and opting to bat first. 

ALSO READ: 'Injured' Gill Misses Out, Sarfaraz Makes Playing XI at Bengaluru

"It has been under the covers and we do understand that it could be slightly sticky early on but the nature of the pitch is such that you would want to put runs on the board first. You want to get the result as much as we want," the Indian captain added.

"Wicket has been under covers so hopefully we can make good use of it early with the ball. Bit of weather around, so we have't had a great prep here. Three seamers with Ajaz Patel and we have two all-rounders who bowl spin too," NZ captain Tom Latham said at the toss.