"I believe Virat will score a hell of runs" - Suresh Raina ahead of IND vs BAN Test series

Former Indian batter Suresh Raina has earmarked Virat Kohli to score heavily in the next 10 red-ball matches leading up to the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The retired cricketer observed that Kohli loves playing the longest format and will treat it accordingly.

The former Indian captain had missed the entire Test series against England earlier this year at home owing to him and his wife expecting their second child. He last played a red-ball game for India during the South Africa tour and will be keen to get back in the runs.

The former left-hander Raina recently said that the focus will firmly be on Kohli, who will mark his return to red-ball cricket after a significant period. He told IANS:

"Rohit is a fantastic captain and he proved it when the Indian team lifted the T20 World Cup Trophy. But the focus will be on Virat Kohli's return to Red-ball cricket. He loves Test matches and gives a lot of respect to them. Leading to the WTC, India will play around 10 matches and I believe Virat will score a hell of runs in this Test cycle."

Rohit Sharma and his men have a considerable number of Test matches coming over the next few months. After the two Tests against Bangladesh, India will host New Zealand for three more games before traveling Down Under for a marquee five-game series.

"Virat thrives under pressure" - Suresh Raina

Raina observed that the 35-year-old likes pressure situations and backs him to produce the goods against Bangladesh's promising pacers. The 37-year-old added:

"Virat thrives under pressure, and this whole Test season will see him at the centre of action. Bangladesh has strong pacers, but Kohli has shown his prowess against bowlers like Haris Rauf. Challenges boost him, and I expect him to shine."

Kohli has strong numbers against Bangladesh in Tests, averaging 54.63 in six matches, having scored 437 runs.