India vs South Africa: Virat Kohli backs five-bowler strategy, says batsmen hardly win Tests

Kohli will make his Test captaincy debut at home in the first Test against South Africa at Mohali.

New Delhi: Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli has backed his five-bowler strategy ahead of the first Test against South Africa.

Kohli, who will make his Test captaincy debut at home, reiterated his theory where he said five bowlers are capable of picking 20 wickets in a Test.

"If you have six batsman, 1 wicketkeeper and score even around 500 runs, there would be a session where you will concede runs and won't be able to pick wickets. Top five batsmen should take more responsibility. Then you have the wicketkepeer and even if you score 350-400 runs, there is a chance that the five bowlers will get you 20 wickets. The batsmen in the team are in favour of this strategy. I will repeat it's the bowlers who will win you Tests," Kohli said at a conference.

The stylish right-hander said that he hasn't changed as a player and gives his best whenever he hits the ground.

"When I step into the field, I know I give my 120 percent. I dont need to prove that to anybody else. I am the same person that started playing for India. You do make mistakes along the way. I think I was wasting too much energy by expressing too much on the field. You get smarter with the amount of cricket you play," Kohli added.

After losing two back-to-back series against South Africa in limited-overs cricket, India are looking to bounce back in the four-match Test series.

The first is scheduled to be played at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, Chandigarh from November 5-9.