WATCH: Virat Kohli in T20 mode, plays only attacking shots during net session ahead of New Zealand Tests

New Delhi: Ace India batter Virat Kohli was seen training intensely in the nets session two days ahead of India’s first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The second and third Tests are scheduled to take place in Pune and Mumbai on October 24 and November 1, respectively. Following the series, the Indian team will head to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium holds a special place for Virat Kohli, as he has represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore at this venue for the past 16 years. He is expected to receive a rousing reception from the fans.

Virat Kohli was seen sharpening his skills in the nets ahead of the crucial Test series against New Zealand. Watch the video here:

Virat Kohli during batting practice session at Chinnaswamy Stadium pic.twitter.com/R0DbaF95CV

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) October 14, 2024

Virat Kohli looked in good form during the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, scoring 47 runs off 35 deliveries in the first innings. In the second innings, he remained unbeaten on 29 runs off 37 balls, playing a key role in India’s seven-wicket victory.

Notably, India head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed confidence in Kohli’s abilities, stating that he is not overly concerned about the batter’s recent lukewarm form. Gambhir emphasized that Kohli remains as hungry for success as he was when he made his debut and should not be judged after every game.

Kohli has managed only one half-century—a 76 against South Africa at Centurion last December—in his last eight innings, making his return to form crucial for India ahead of the three-Test series against New Zealand starting Wednesday, as well as the five-Test series against Australia in November.

“See, my thoughts about Virat have always been very clear that he is a world-class cricketer. He has performed for such a long period. He is as hungry as when he made his debut. To now, his hunger is always there,” Gambhir told the media in Bengaluru on Monday.

Notably, Kohli achieved his first Test century on home soil against New Zealand in Bengaluru in 2012.