IND vs ENG: Ollie Robinson sets plan for Virat Kohli's 'big ego' ahead of 5-Test series vs England

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IND vs ENG: England pacer Ollie Robinson is geared up for the 5-Test series against India starting January 25, and is excited to play with the 'big ego' of Virat Kohli.

Robinson and Kohli had some heated exchanges when India toured England for a 5-Test series in 2021. The England quick had sledged India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara and called his batting boring.

Kohli gave a hostile reception to Robinson when he came out to bat. The then India captain called him 'big mouth' and led India to a historic 151-run win at Lord's after bundling out England for 120 in the second innings. Kohli was dismissed by Robinson for 42 runs in the first innings.

"Maybe, that's how you survive in a Test match. Come on, big mouth (Robinson), Gonna bring your sheets today?" Kohli had said while sledging Robinson.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo ahead of England's tour of India, Ollie Robinson Robinson praised Kohli before adding that it would be exciting to play with his big ego.

"You always want to play against the best players, don't you? And you always want to get the best players out. Kohli is one of those. He's got a big ego and I think playing on that, especially in India, where he is going to want to dominate and score runs, playing on the fact we've had battles in the past, is exciting," he said.

The 30-year-old also revealed how Mohammed Shami has impressed him. He called Shami one of India's best batters, and also praised veteran pacer Ishant Sharma.

"I've actually been practicing Mohammed Shami's dead-straight seam," he reveals. "He's one of the best bowlers for India. I was looking at Ishant [Sharma] as well - he played at Sussex for a bit and he's done really well in India for quite a while. He's tall, similar to me," Robinson told ESPNcricinfo.

Further, Ollie Robinson talked about his plans for the India tour. He said that at the start of his career he was a bit more ambitious, but his main focus was to just support the team now.

"I prepared like I was going to be the leader of the attack for years, and probably looked too far ahead, if anything. I think now, maturing a little bit and knowing what can happen, I'm preparing like I'm playing another series and just going to do my best for England. Not looking too far ahead, not looking to be the leader of the attack or anything like that. Support Jimmy, support the spinners, and just support the team."