India begins its 2023-25 WTC campaign with a two-Test series against Bangladesh, starting on Thursday at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This series is the first of the challenging season which includes three more home tests against New Zealand and a five-match series in Australia.
Kohli, who last played a Test in January 2024 during a series against South Africa, missed the subsequent red-ball series against England due to the birth of his child. In his absence, India, under captain Rohit Sharma, recorded a 4-1 victory over England.
Raina, reflecting on Kohli's comeback, expressed high expectations. "Rohit is a fantastic captain and he proved it when the Indian team lifted the T2O World Cup Trophy. But the focus will be on Virat Kohli's return to red-ball cricket. He loves Test matches and shows a lot of respect to them "For the WTC, India will play around 10 matches and I think Virat will score a lot of points in this Test cycle," Raina told IANS.
Raina also emphasized Kohli's resilience under pressure, highlighting his recent performances in the T20 World Cup. “Virat thrives under pressure and this entire Test season will see him in the thick of the action. Bangladesh have strong pacers but Kohli has shown his prowess against bowlers like Haris Rauf. Challenges drive him and I hope he shines,” Raina added.
The Indian team, which currently leads the WTC standings with a rating of 68.52 per cent after six wins in nine matches, aims to solidify its position. They finished runners-up in the last two editions of the WTC, losing to New Zealand and Australia in the final. A good performance in the upcoming series will be crucial when they face New Zealand and Australia later in the season.
Bangladesh, who are fourth in the WTC table with 45.83 per cent after three wins in six Tests, will be eager to improve their position and challenge the top teams.
Kohli, who last played a Test in January 2024 during a series against South Africa, missed the subsequent red-ball series against England due to the birth of his child. In his absence, India, under captain Rohit Sharma, recorded a 4-1 victory over England.
Raina, reflecting on Kohli's comeback, expressed high expectations. "Rohit is a fantastic captain and he proved it when the Indian team lifted the T2O World Cup Trophy. But the focus will be on Virat Kohli's return to red-ball cricket. He loves Test matches and shows a lot of respect to them "For the WTC, India will play around 10 matches and I think Virat will score a lot of points in this Test cycle," Raina told IANS.
Raina also emphasized Kohli's resilience under pressure, highlighting his recent performances in the T20 World Cup. “Virat thrives under pressure and this entire Test season will see him in the thick of the action. Bangladesh have strong pacers but Kohli has shown his prowess against bowlers like Haris Rauf. Challenges drive him and I hope he shines,” Raina added.
The Indian team, which currently leads the WTC standings with a rating of 68.52 per cent after six wins in nine matches, aims to solidify its position. They finished runners-up in the last two editions of the WTC, losing to New Zealand and Australia in the final. A good performance in the upcoming series will be crucial when they face New Zealand and Australia later in the season.
Bangladesh, who are fourth in the WTC table with 45.83 per cent after three wins in six Tests, will be eager to improve their position and challenge the top teams.