'Virat Kohli will be hungry to lead and play well'- Jos Buttler wary of India skipper's threat in Test series

England is all set to lock horns against India in the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy, starting from February 5 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Speaking about the marquee series, England’s wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler revealed that keeping the Indian skipper Virat Kohli quiet during the whole Test series will be the biggest challenge for the visitors.

Virat Kohli had given the last three Test matches against Australia a miss as he had boarded the flight back to India to be with his wife Anushka Sharma for the birth of their first child. Thus, Jos Buttler believes that this small break would have rejuvenated the Indian skipper and he will be eager to score lots of runs for his team.

“Virat would be coming back, had some time away from Test matches and he will be hungry to lead and play well, so it is going to be a great challenge.” Jos Buttler said as quoted by India Today.

It’s an exciting time to take up such a challenge against the best team: Jos Buttler

Despite the absence of Virat and losing their main players to injury, India, under the leadership of Ajinkya Rahane, had done a commendable job and scripted a memorable victory in the four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia by 2-1. Buttler was in awe of India’s strength and heaped praises on the Men in Blue for exhibiting their grit and character.

“Obviously, the Australian series really showed world cricket the amazing strength and depth in Indian cricket. To go and win that series in Australia, when you are missing Virat (Kohli) after the first Test and having so many injuries, just shows there is fantastic strength and depth, competition in Indian cricket.”

England was the last team to beat India in their own backyard. They had stunned the cricket fraternity with their splendid performance in 2012. Describing the 2012 side as one of the best England teams, the wicketkeeper added that the current side is getting there.

“This side is in a little bit of a different stage in terms of journey, but certainly, getting towards that point. It’s an exciting time to take up such a challenge against the best team in the world in their home conditions.” Jos Buttler concluded.