Kohli: 'Core of players for World Cup more or less sorted'

While he admits there's paucity of time - given that the World Cup's just year-and-a-half away - Kohli reiterated that he 'will not compromise on the result' in search of the right combination.

Kohli:"The no. 4 position needs to be solidified."

Ahead of the first ODI between India and South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban, captain Virat Kohli reposed faith in his players while admitting that India's core squad in the lead upto next year's World Cup is firming up.

"The core of players is more or less sorted. It's about who takes up that one particular spot, it's not even about the spots above and below.  The guys who are given the opportunity need to capitalise and string in performances that convince the management and team very soon that they are suitable for that spot.

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"That said, changes could happen any time. The lower-middle order is more or less sorted, with Hardik (Pandya), Kedar (Jadhav) and Mahendra Singh Dhoni , it's just the no. 4 position that needs to be solidified."

Asked who could occupy the vital spot in the upcoming series, Kohli said, "We've explored a lot of a options over the past few months. The World Cup's around the corner and we don't have much time or too many matches.

"I have said before that (Ajinkya) Rahane is playing as the third opener. However, the situation could change in the World Cup where the conditions will be conducive to fast bowling.

"Rahane has batted at no. 4, so he's a strong candidate. We also have Manish (Pandey), Shreyas (Iyer), Kedar Jadhav's a No. 5 - 6 batsman and Hardik (Pandya) will play lower down; there's M.S. too. we don't want to be one dimensional."

While he admits there's paucity of time — given that the World Cup's just year-and-a-half away - Kohli reiterated that he 'will not compromise on the result' in search of the right combination.

"We have quality players in the side, so it's not It's about finding players who fit a spot better in certain conditions," he said adding,"That'll be our mindset. We're going to play the World Cup in England which is going to be different than back home — people who do well in subcontinent conditions may not repeat their performance overseas. But I'm pretty confident about all the guys in the team."