We have it in us to bounce back against Sri Lanka: Virat Kohli

India skipper Virat Kohli dives during a practice session at the Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo yesterday

Colombo: Indian skipper Virat Kohli says his team is well-equipped to bounce back against Sri Lanka and the players are "hungry and keen to perform" in the second Test starting here today.


India skipper Virat Kohli dives during a practice session at the Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo yesterday. Pic/Solaris Images

India suffered a shock defeat in the first Test at Galle despite dominating the series-opener for a major part. "We definitely have it in us to bounce back. There is no point thinking about or living in the past. More often than not, if you dominate six sessions, it means that you are on top in the Test match and you should be able to win the game but that wasn't the case," Kohli said in the pre-match press conference.

Good preparation
"But the preparation has been pretty good for this particular Test match. This is a learning curve, and the guys will learn how to get over defeats and prepare for the next one. The good thing is everyone is hungry and keen to perform. The guys understood that things need to be forgotten and they were pretty professional," he said.

Murali Vijay, nursing a hamstring injury, is expected to be fully fit for the second Test as he batted for a long while in the nets. Kohli was hopeful that the opener will make it to the playing XI. "We will know today if he is hundred per cent fit to play or not. Hopefully he is fully fit.

If he wants to play and is keen then I am sure he can go through whatever discomfort he might have to go through. We will have to take that call but we are pretty certain that he is most probably going to play tomorrow," said Kohli.

The Indian skipper also showed intent of fielding all-rounder Stuart Binny. "We have got Stuart Binny because his bowling gives us balance. His batting at No 6 will help us too. We will look at the wicket tomorrow. But I feel that even if you don't have five full-time bowlers, the fifth has to be one who can bowl 10-15 overs. It is very helpful in certain situations.

"Bringing in Stuart gives us the option of a third seamer. You need to make a call on the bowling attack thinking how the wicket will turn out to be during the course of the game," he added.

There was grass on the P Sara Oval wicket on Tuesday but it had been shaved off by the time the Indian team got to practice yesterday. It could be a slow turner once again, but bounce is one of its key characteristics at this ground.