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Kohli gives Gambhir green signal for 3rd Test vs Kiwis

  • It is confirmed that Gambhir will replace injured Dhawan in the third Test against the Black Caps at Indore, starting Saturday.
  • Dhawan suffered a fractured thumb during the second Test at Eden Gardens.
  • India have taken an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three-Test series.
Kohli gives Gambhir green signal for 3rd Test vs Kiwis

Still on a learning curve as India's Test skipper, Virat Kohli on Friday said controlling sessions which don't exactly go the team's way is among the most crucial captaincy lessons that he has learnt so far in his tenure.

 

"One thing that stands out in the learning process is how to control a session which is not going your way. How to stop the runs and keep the pressure (on the opposition) when you are not taking wickets? That's  important and something which I have experienced as captain," Kohli said on the eve of the third and final Test against New Zealand at Indore.

 

"It's an important time in a Test match, not to go too negative while (at the same time) controlling the runs (of the opposition). It's a thin line, and it's important not to go one-dimensional when things are not going your way." 

 

Read more: Raina returns as IND announce 15-man squad for ODI series vs NZ

 

India have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series, but Kohli confirmed that the team was not going to experiment with a makeshift opener and instead give Gautam Gambhir a chance to resurrect his career after two years.

 

"That's a natural change because of injury to Shikhar (Dhawan) and Gambhir he is the third opener in the team," said Kohli on the chances of Gambhir opening the innings with Murali Vijay after being in the reserves in the second Test at Kolkata.

 

Dhawan, who is also a left-handed opener from Delhi, got hit on his finger in the second innings of the Eden Gardens Test while batting and was subsequently ruled out of the final Test.

 

Kohli said that all those who have come in to fill in for the injured players have done well.

 

"What happened to Shikhar was not a fitness issue, but a blow on the thumb. We have had injuries, but the good thing is we were able to recognise them early and give them rest. It's a long season ahead, and  moreover,  the others who have stepped in are taking it as an opportunity (to do well).

 

"It's critical to manage the workload, especially for the fast bowlers. For ODI matches, they have been given rest. It is a long Test season ahead, and it gives an opportunity to others to prove themselves," said Kohli.

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