The Indian skipper, Virat Kohli confirms that there is immense mutual respect between him and his deputy, Ajinkya Rahane, who led India to a historic series win in Australia. Addressing the press through an online briefing, Kohli, who is returning as Team India skipper, said on the eve of the first Test against England what happens inside the dressing room doesn’t reflect what comes out.

Explaining the same during a virtual press conference, Virat Kohli said, “Not just between me and him (Rahane) but the whole team, camaraderie is based on trust. It was amazing to see how he led the team to win in Australia. It’s mutual respect, bonding, on and off the field. The partnership will remain the same as ever. Rishabh will take the gloves tomorrow. He is in good space.”

ALSO READ: India vs England (1st Test) – Probable Playing XIs For The Game

He further added, “We want him to build on this along with him improving all aspects of the game, which will happen with more game time. He wasn’t part of white-ball formats, but he kept working hard on his fitness, on his games. We have backed him quite a lot and for good reason – something you saw in Australia. He will continue to be backed.”

With Kohli coming back to the squad and India returning home from Australia, there will be some changes in combination as well. Kohli backed the opening combination of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who opened in the last two Tests against Australia, to “play all Tests.”

Talking about the changes, Virat Kohli said, “We are looking forward to them (Rohit and Gill) to play all Tests and give us good starts like they did in Australia. In the Tests we won one of the reasons behind (those wins) was the starts we got. It’s a delicate balance that we have. Kuldeep hasn’t had much of game time in the longest format for a while now. Now that the home season starts he will be in the scheme of things. He will be in the team’s plans.”

ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane Feels India Will Not Focus On WTC Final

With Ravindra Jadeja unavailable, India will be missing the services of the all-rounder and Kohli said bowlers who have the ability to bat in addition to bowling will get the preference.

Talking about the pitch conditions, Kohli said, “The pitch is a normal Chepauk pitch. It’s a nice batting track with spinners getting assistance. But the track is good enough for fast bowlers to stay in the game also, so generally, it is a good cricketing wicket.”