Watch: Kohli opens up on WC semi-final loss, drops selection hint for T20Is

The Indian team has touched down New Zealand, and are all set for the Blackcaps challenge. They have been sweating it hard for the first T20I and would be eyeing to start this long tour on a winning note.

The last time these two sides collided against each other, it was the World Cup 2019 semi-finals where New Zealand shattered many Indian hopes by oustering India from the mega-event.

Skipper Virat Kohli who was attending a press conference ahead of the first T2OI in Eden Park, Auckland was seen answering a few questions regarding the same.

“Not really” Virat Kohli when asked about India avenging World Cup semi-final loss

The World Cup semi-final loss in Manchester last July was definitely something to pop up in the conference, Virat was all prepared to answer this, he said;

Not really. Even if you want to think of revenge these guys are so nice that you can’t get into that zone.It’s all about being competitive on the field. They are one side that has set the right example for teams to carry themselves on the international stage. We were actually happy for them when they qualified for World Cup finals. When you have lost you have to look at the larger picture. So nothing about revenge.

Can't help but Love the Kiwis ???? #TeamIndia #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/9Qc3k35v5L

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 23, 2020

Kohli also dropped selection hint for the first T20I

Of-late, India has been looking for a perfect replacement of MS Dhoni both behind the wicket and with the bat. Rishabh Pant has been fortunate to get tons of opportunities but hasn’t done justice to his place in the XI.

Although, in recent times one name that has impressed one and all is KL Rahul who has duly accepted the responsibility of batting and keeping. He has been the “jack of all trades” and has grabbed this responsibility with both hands.

In the press conference, Virat also mentioned the role of KL Rahul in the first game. Kohli has confirmed that Rahul will both keep wickets and open the batting alongside Sharma in the first T20I.

Virat Kohli in PC confirms KL Rahul will open in T20s and continue to keep wickets as well. Said probably will have impact on other players, but they wont care about what is said.

Also added that Rahul will keep in ODIs but not open as the "Rajkot solution" seemed good. #NZvInd

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) January 23, 2020

KL Rahul took the dual responsibility in the ODI series against Australia when Rishabh Panth got injured in the first ODI, and he did a fabulous job. Once again the same would be expected from the 27-year old heading into the series.