Kohli backs Bangladesh to tour India more often, advises more Tests

Virat Kohli is quite stunned by the knowledge of Bangladesh’s visit to India being the first for a Test match and he feels the Tigers should tour India more frequently.

The 28-year-old India captain’s merit as a talisman with the bat has been well complemented by his matching prowess in the leadership role, making him a distinctive cricket personality in the game at the moment.

Bangladesh played their maiden Test in their backyard against their neighbours in 2000, and 16 years on, the team are getting an opportunity to square off against India on their terms in the prestigious format of the game.

The one-off game is set for a 10am start (BdSt) in Hyderabad on Thursday.

On the eve of the match, Kohli also appeared to be an ardent advocate of Bangladesh’s endeavour to get more Test fixtures in a calendar year.

In a stark contrast to what Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim had said before flying to India, his Indian counterpart believes the occasion is a historic one.

“[Bangladesh] haven’t come to India much is what I have recently found out... So yes, it is a historic moment for both teams and the countries as well,” he said on Wednesday.

“I hope this can happen much more. We have gone there too many times, they should come here more often. It will be great for them to come and play here in India. Great place to play cricket. They will enjoy it."

Kohli, who has led India to an 18-Test unbeaten run, is looking forward to the clash.

“It is a special occasion. I just happen to be the captain at this time. But it will be a special day.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India, however, was not too keen on inviting Bangladesh to their domain.

The decision to set up the series, containing just one encounter in Test whites, followed persistent plea from the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

The Tigers and their fans would hope Kohli’s words would change the Indian board’s view.

‘More Tests for Bangladesh’

Looking back at Bangladesh versus India limited-overs fixtures over the recent years, the tie now promises much excitement on the world stage.

But with India being the top-ranked team now and Bangladesh languishing near the bottom, the situation in Tests is quite a contrast.

The difference of either team’s abilities to endure pressure and be consistent over five days is too great, even more so when it’s in India’s backyard.

Kohli, who is ranked second behind Australia’s Steve Smith in ICC’s Test batsmen’s list, thinks Bangladesh’s Test prospects have been held back though they have the qualities needed to be a strong  team in this format as well.

“I think they have the skill, they just don’t play that many Test matches to gain confidence as a squad. It’s very basic,” he said.

“They have become a very good one-day side because of the fact that they play so many one-dayers and they have their set combinations. If you don’t play Test cricket very often, you will never understand the mindset.”

He underlined the difference in approach as a game changer to get success in various formats.

“You can practice as much as you want but game time is important. Ability is going to be there. It’s the mindset that changes from format to format. I am sure that if they play more Test cricket they will become solid Test players and a solid Test team as well.

“I think it should be pushed. They certainly have the ability to compete at the Test level. We are vary of their skills and the talent that they bring to the table. We are going to focus on what we do best as a team."

Kohli’s words will not only provide impetus to Mushfiqur and his men, who were mauled in New Zealand in their last series,  but should also draw attention of global authorities of the game.

Executives at BCB should also take notice and stop choosing limited-overs series over playing Tests.