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India is all set to play the third Test against England, starting February 24 at the Motera Stadium. India’s 317-run win in the second Test, helped the hosts level the series 1-1. Rohit Sharma’s 161 in the first innings helped India score 329, which was duly supported by Indian spinners. Talisman Ravichandran Ashwin led the pack on the tricky Chennai pitch. Joe Root’s men however, took the first Test match with 227 runs, but were let down against the Indian spinners in the second Test.
A new challenge awaits at Motera for the Pink-ball Test as the two sides battle it out for the World Test Championship finale spot. Team India skipper Virat Kohli will be looking to end the century drought in the third Test. The prolific batsman last scored a century against Bangladesh in the Day-Night Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. If Kohli scores a century in the third Test, he will surpass former Australia captain Ricky Ponting in the list of most hundreds by a captain. Notably, both the stalwarts are tied with 41 centuries to their name.
MSD's records means nothing to me: Virat Kohli
Indian skipper Virat Kohli ahead of the Pink-ball Test was quoted stating that the records and milestones mean nothing. In a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, captain Kohli stated, "that record mean nothing to me," when asked on breaking MSD's record as the most successful captain. "I am doing the responsibilities with the best of my abilities and potential", added Kohli to this. He also revealed that he is not even aware about the records when he steps on the ground. He accepted that sometimes these milestones are later told by the members of the team.
Virat Kohli termed these achievements to be "fickle things" and are not meant to be forever.
Looking forward to the presence of crowd in the third Test
Team India skipper Virat Kohli emphasised on the importance of spectators in the the third Test. He highlighted on the impact the presence of crowd in the second Test, which later helped the side to clinch the match by 317 runs. "50,000 people and their energy behind the team does push you in the right direction," Virat Kohli stated on the presence of a much larger crowd in the upcoming Tests.
Happy to see Ishant play his 100th Test: Virat Kohli ahead of Ishant's 100th Test
Kohli lauded Ishant's journey in Test cricket as he nears his 100th Test. Team India skipper recalled the day when Ishant Sharma was called for Team India's debut. "When he got selected for India, he was sleeping & I had to kick him to give him the news," Kohli quoted.
"It's rare to see a pacer have such longevity these days. Ishant could've easily prioritised white-ball cricket but full credit to him that he didn't. I'm so happy that he is playing his 100th Test and hope he plays for India for many more years," captain Kohli ahead of Ishant Sharma playing the 100th Test.
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