Kohli: Gurkeerat brings balance to the squad

Terming Gurkeerat Singh Mann as a potential all-rounder for India, Test captain Virat Kohli on Friday said that the latest addition is certainly in the scheme of things for the ongoing Test series against South Africa.

Gurkeerat has been in scintilating form of late. The 25-year-old Punjab player slammed an unbeaten double-hundred against Railways and returned a match haul of nine wickets against Andhra in his two Ranji Trophy matches.

Terming Gurkeerat Singh Mann as a potential all-rounder for India, Test captain Virat Kohli on Friday said that the latest addition is certainly in the scheme of things for the ongoing Test series against South Africa. “He is certainly in the mix of things because he has ability with bat. At number six or seven, he can be very dangerous because he is an instinctive player and can take away the game from opposition. He is bowling well too,” Kohli said of Gurkeerat on the eve of second Test starting here on Saturday.

Earlier on Thursday, the 25-year-old Punjab player was roped into the Indian squad for the Bengaluru Test. He was also part of the squad during the ODI series, which the hosts lost 3-2.

Gurkeerat has been in a scintillating form lately, scoring half-centuries in successive matches against Australia A and South Africa A besides picking up a five-wicket haul earlier in August. Subsequently, he slammed an unbeaten double-hundred against Railways and took a match haul of nine wickets against Andhra in his two Ranji Trophy matches. “These kinds of cricketers who can bring in balance to the whole squad are very important. Don’t be surprised if you see him playing very soon,” Kohli added.

India will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match Test series after comprehensively defeating South Africa by 108 runs in Mohali.