Virat Kohli to play for India A under Cheteshwar Pujara's captaincy

New Delhi, July 23: Back from a well-deserved break, Indian Test captain Virat Kohli has decided to get into the groove by playing for India A in the second four-day 'Test' against Australia A in Chennai from July 28-31.

Indian Test squad announced

"Virat Kohli had requested the selection committee for some match practice and wanted to play a game against Australia A. He will be playing the second four day game against Australia A," secretary Anurag Thakur said at post selection press conference.

When Sandeep Patil was asked as to who will lead the side, the chairman said: "Cheteshwar Pujara is the designated captain and he will lead the side."

Actually with the team being decided in 30 minutes, there were discussions on various long term issues and Virat mooted the point of playing a first class game.

The reason being it will be proper match situation and Chepauk pitch being pretty similar to Sri Lankan wickets will provide him with match simulation.

Also another reason being Indian teams on tours normally treat practice games as extended net sessions with batsmen retiring after playing 100 balls.

PTI