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One series at home, one away more balanced format for WTC: Kohli

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Press Trust of India Kolkata
Last Updated : Nov 24 2019 | 6:15 PM IST

Indian captain Virat Kohli on Sunday endorsed a home and away format for the World Test Championship, saying it would be more reflective of the team's performance.

India have easily made clean sweeps over the West Indies 2-0 in an away series before continuing their ruthless domination at home against South Africa (3-0) and Bangladesh (2-0) to firmly lead WTC standings with 360 points. Their nearest rivals, Australia, are on 116 points.

"I think the more balanced format would be one series home and one away. We are playing very good cricket but we played only two Tests away in the Test Championship," the Indian skipper said after India completed formalities to beat Bangladesh by an innings and 46 runs to win inside three days.

"You can praise our team on our performance. But to say that we are dominating like no other team is a very subjective thing to think of. If we played two series away and two at home and we had 300 points, then you can say we played really well," said Kohli, who had earlier proposed doubling points for away wins.

As per the existing format, a team is supposed to play six series in the WTC, three home and three away but they are not scheduled alternatively.

He pointed out the intensely-fought Ashes earlier in August-September when Australia and England drew 2-2.

"I don't think there should be any kind of tags attached to any team. In the Test Championship, even if we make the finals, there's only one game so whoever plays will win the championship.

"So it doesn't matter how many points you have at the end of the day. But a good format would be one home one away and then you keep that balance and keep moving forward."
"I can only say we are at the top of our game. You can't judge your team's dominance with just seven games. We're quite excited about how we are playing and what the challenges are."
"Now the frame of mind is to get to the next series in Test cricket. And not like we finished playing at home let's see what happens abroad. We are waiting to play Test cricket. So I think that mindset has changed now."
"Eventually the strength of the Test cricket should come from how strong you're financially. Unless if you keep them financially well, after a time their motivation will go down."
"Because a (T20) player bowling just four overs and playing for 20 overs is earning 10 times more money than you. Eventually it's your livelihood and you won't see any logic and will think of changing your profession after five-six years and feel like becoming a T20 player. It can be improved with Central Contracts."
"They feel very secure also even if they don't play, we have enough backup bowlers to still come in and do the job for us. I think that bench strength is also helping us along."

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First Published: Nov 24 2019 | 6:15 PM IST

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