Kohli hints at end to India’s dogged DRS resistance

There is hardly any scope for complacency for India, especially after its big win over New Zealand in its 500th Test and series opener.

Ashwin is now within seven points of number-one ranked Dale Steyn of South Africa, who leads the Rankings for Test Bowlers with 878 points.

As regards the lanky pacer Sharma, BCCI said: “Medium pacer Ishant Sharma is recovering and won’t be available for the second Test of the series to played in Kolkata”.

Rahane did well in the second innings and looked comfortable out in the middle.

But, one thing that might give Gambhir a decisive edge over Dhawan when Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli sit down tomorrow to make the call will be his familiarity with the Eden Gardens. He has allowed critics to suspect his temperament in Test cricket and will be lucky to keep his place in the playing XI. He came out all guns blazing in the second innings and scored a brisk fifty to steer his side in a good position. The visiting batsmen will have to bat session-by-session, in order to build their innings in the subcontinent conditions. That is another aspect of being a great player and that is what Ashwin has done from the first Test he has played.

However, young Tom is not in a hurry to score runs like his father tried. I must hasten to add that daynight first class cricket is still a work in progress. However, as a no. 4 batsman and captain of the side, he knows he can not slack even if the team is doing well.

Kohli showered praise on Ravindra Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 42 and 50 and returned with a match haul of six wickets to be adjudged Man of the Match in the team’s 197-run victory in Kanpur. It’s generally a very good batting wicket more often than not.

If Gambhir gets the nod on Friday, it will surely deal a huge blow to Dhawan’s belief that he could still matter for India, at least at home.

The Eden pitch, generally a slow turner, has grass sprayed all over it and, though according to sources the Indian team management has asked for heavy pruning, it remains to be seen whether it will be as spin-friendly as the hosts would like it to be. The duo has hunted in pair and wrecked havoc in the Kiwi dug out.

It will be no different at the Eden track, though the team think tank seems to be wary of the relaid wicket which will be used for the first time.

Star Sports is telecasting this game live in India.