'He Thrives Under Pressure': Suresh Raina Backs Returning Virat Kohli to Go Big in Ongoing WTC Cycle

As Team India prepares themselves for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh at home, the former Indian cricketer, Suresh Raina has tipped the great Virat Kohli to go big for the upcoming Tests.

Kohli is set to make his return to the longest format since his last Test in January 2024. He was part of the squad that toured South Africa and then missed out the five-match series against England at home due to the birth of his second child.

“Rohit is a fantastic captain and he proved it when the Indian team lifted the T20 World Cup Trophy. But the focus will be on Virat Kohli’s return to Red-ball cricket. He loves Test matches and gives a lot of respect to them. Leading to the WTC, India will play around 10 matches and I believe Virat will score a hell lot of runs in this Test cycle,” Raina told IANS.

Kohli might have taken a back seat when it comes to performances in the longest format, but Raina believes that the 35-year-old has showcased his class against the best bowlers around the world and expects him to thrive in the centre of all the action.

His last big triple-figure score came in the Port of Spain Test against the West Indies back in July 2023 and many would be eager to see the ace batter getting back to his very best with the willow.

With India’s World Test Championship campaign restarting, it will be imperative that Team India see their main man firing on all cylinders as they gear up for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 coming up in November 2024.

“Virat thrives under pressure, and this whole Test season will see him at the centre of action. Bangladesh has strong pacers, but Kohli has shown his prowess against bowlers like Haris Rauf. Challenges boost him, and I expect him to shine,” Raina added.

Kohli is set to make a return to Test cricket in the upcoming game against Bangladesh. The first game is set to take place in Chennai while the second Test is set to be held in Kanpur. The Indian team have already arrived in Chennai and have begun training ahead of the series opener.

But Bangladesh seems to be in prime form as they clinched a historic series win over Pakistan on the latter’s home turf. With a settled squad and some talented players on display, Kohli would hope to be the key figure in helping Team India maintain their unbeaten streak which dates back to 2013.

(with IANS Inputs)