There is, however, still a question mark over the availability of Kohli, one-day skipper MS Dhoni and a few other seniors for the ensuing three-match ODI series in Dhaka (June 18, 21 and 24).
Virat Kohli has had a rethink. A week after reports said that the Test skipper was planning to skip the one-off Test match against Bangladesh in Fatullah (June 10-14), the superstar batsman has decided to make the trip after all.
There is, however, still a question mark over the availability of Kohli, one-day skipper MS Dhoni and a few other seniors for the ensuing three-match ODI series in Dhaka (June 18, 21 and 24).
Back to Kohli and his decision to travel for the lone Test. dna has reliably learnt that people close to the 26-year-old "advised" him not to skip the Test, especially after he was given the job during India's tour of Australia last year. Kohli captained India with aplomb in the first Test in Adelaide, scoring twin tons in the game besides taking India tantalisingly close to a famous win. Dhoni had missed the game due to injury. Dhoni returned in time for the second Test in Brisbane. He was also captain for the third Test in Melbourne. He, however, surprised everyone by announcing his Test retirement ahead of the final Test in Sydney. Kohli duly took over the reins.
The tour of Bangladesh, however insignificant, will see Kohli take charge of the Test unit all by himself. It is understood that Kohli also had a chat with senior BCCI official on Sunday. In fact, the powers-that-be had zeroed in on all-rounder R Ashwin to replace Kohli as Test captain for this tour. But now that Kohli has agreed to lead, everybody is on the same page. It is also understood that the selectors will name the same squad that played the last Test, in Sydney.
The selection committee, chaired by Sandeep Patil, will meet in Mumbai on Wednesday. BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur will convene the meeting. For the first time in recent memory, the chairman and convenor will address the media after picking the squad. This is a welcome change.
There is also talk of sending a new-look squad for the three ODIs. Going by their recent performances, Robin Uthappa (Karnataka and Kolkata Knight Riders), Mumbai lad Shreyas Iyer (Delhi Daredevils), Himachal Pradesh's Yuzvendra Chahal (Royal Challengers Bangalore) could be in contention.
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