Ahead of the much-anticipated clash against New Zealand, Indian skipper Virat Kohli highlighted the team's need for a sixth bowler along with providing update on Hardik Pandya's shoulder injury.
Hardik had hurt his shoulder while batting against Pakistan and did not take the field after India's innings as he had to go for precautionary scans. He also has not contributed to the Indian bowling unit so far in the tournament, raising questions over his inclusion in the Playing XI against New Zealand.
Kohli said that Hardik is "absolutely fine" but also added that Shardul Thakur remains in the scheme of things. "Hardik Pandya is fine. If you're talking about the blow on his shoulder, he's absolutely fine," Kolhi said in the pre-match virtual presser on Saturday.
"Shardul Thakur is always in the scheme of things. He has great potential and always adds great value to the team," he added.
Virat Kohli reflects on Pakistan defeat
Reflecting on India's crushing 10-wicket defeat to Pakistan, Kohli made no bones in admitting that his side failed to pick wickets. He said that the Indian unit lost the game collectively.
"As a bowling group we failed to pick up wickets against Pakistan, and that can happen. We understand where things went wrong and we accept that, without any ego and excuses. I will not single out individuals, we lost as a team," said the 32-year-old.
As India square off against New Zealand in a virtual knockout contest, Kohli spoke about the toss factor and said that it will continue to be a "big factor" in the marquee T20 event.
"The toss will continue to be a big factor, that's just the nature of this tournament. It all depends on how you look at it. Our only focus is on how we're placed mentally and how we approach the game. We're itching to get on the field," Kohli, who will relinquish the T20I captaincy after the event, further said.
He also heaped praise on pacer Jasprit Bumrah, labelling the speedster as the best all-format bowler in the world. Bumrah is obviously the best all-format bowler in the world. There are a lot of expectations from him and he accepts that. We didn't get wickets in the last game but that won't happen every time. We're a quality side and can beat any team," he opined.
