Kohli's passion in practice

Virat Kohli's performance in the last couple of years has led to him getting a number of nicknames. From being described as a run-scoring machine to a champion chaser, Virat tends to surpass one boundary after the other without any hassle.

So classy has been his performance in the recent past that it has often compelled his mesmerised fans to ask the golden question: “How does he do that every single time?”

A mere glance at Kohli's training discipline would answer most aspects of that question.

Yesterday, after a quick football session at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, the players hit the nets to work on their respective skills. The one aspect that was obviously noticeable was the amount of time Kohli spent at the nets. While players came and left in the neighbouring nets, Kohli kept playing his drives nonchalantly. It did not matter that he had taken almost two hours out of the four-hour practice; it was all about hitting the middle of the bat.

Kohli's determination reflects the brilliant run that India have had at home. They have been unbeaten for a long time and at the moment it seems highly likely that their unbeaten run will continue during the Bangladesh series.

Bangladesh had a rough time in New Zealand and also put in a below-par performance against India A in the warm-up.

The hosts are the clear favourites in this series, but head coach Anil Kumble believed that there was no room for complacency.

“We would like to take every team the same way in terms of what they bring to the table. Bangladesh are a very improved side and they had a good outing in New Zealand. Even though the results are different, Bangladesh, I think, going to New Zealand and doing what they did... we respect the opposition.

“We would like to measure our own performances and then treat every game in that fashion. If we can continue to do that, the results will come our way. Bangladesh have some quality players, good allrounders and it's going to be interesting,” said Kumble, adding that he expects both his spinners and pacers to be equally lethal in this series, regardless of how the wicket behaves.

Later in the day, Kumble had to attend a sudden meeting with the team management since his leg-spinner Amit Mishra had injured his knee. Mishra was later replaced by left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav.