Kohli could go for 5-bowler strategy in Lanka

Chennai, Aug 2 - India captain Virat Kohli said here on Sunday that the basic idea in cricket is to take 20 wickets and for that he needs five bowlers in the team which would then put the responsibility on the batsmen to score runs.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the team's departure for Sri Lanka on Monday, Kohli said there is a need to play with a stronger bowling side and the team can field up to three spinners in upcoming series against the Lankans.

"Ashwin and Harbajan are also good with the bat," he said.

Led by Kohli, India will play a three-Test series in Sri Lanka this month.

The right-handed aggressive batsman does not see any problem with opener Murali Vijay's fitness. He felt happy that there is a good contest for the opening slot as the "problem of plenty is not bad".

Queried about Indian pacemen not getting wickets, the 26-year-old said that the team would play to a plan and if it does not work then Plan B would kick in.

According to him, focussing on India's previous performances in Sri Lanka would actually add pressure and not any value. He said his aggressive approach on the ground is not bad but would rally the team together.

Meanwhile, opener Shikhar Dhawan said he would do a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities and threats) analysis of the Lankan bowlers after he lands in the island nation. The left-hander said he would see some previous match videos and plot out his game plan.

Dhawan said competition for the opening slot is good and a healthy sign.

Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin said: "We all know the strengths and weaknesses of players at the international levels. But everything depends on the playing situation."

According to him, his off-spin will be the main battle weapon against the Lankan batsmen and the pitches there offer good bounce.

Queried about his preference in the batting line-up, Rohit Sharma said it is for the captain and coach to decide on his batting position.

Terming it as a challenge playing any team on their home turf Ajinkya Rahane said that he would not like to put a number as to what he would like his average score in the three-match series to be. "It is just a number," he said.

Asked about the Indian cricket board's decision that "no conflict of interest" declaration to be given by the players, Kohli said it the board's decision he does not want to debate on that.

(IANS)