Apart from that responsibility, India's Test skipper Virat Kohli also handles the important job of maintaining the ball for his bowlers, something that requires extraordinary skills too
Virat Kohli discusses the ball's condition with umpire Bruce Oxenford during the second Test v SL at Colombo on Saturday
Not long before he made an exit as Team India coach, Anil Kumble recommended an enhanced salary for batting stalwart Virat Kohli since he has the extra burden of captaincy. Apart from that responsibility, Kohli also handles the important job of maintaining the ball for his bowlers, something that requires extraordinary skills too.
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Worried about the shape of the ball, Kohli approached the umpires thrice on Saturday to request them to examine the condition of the ball during Sri Lanka's second innings of the Sinhalese Sports Club Test.
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Perhaps, it is not visible on TV, but it can be often observed how Kohli religiously works on the ball to maintain its shine and condition. After every ball, every run and over, Virat works tirelessly on the ball to keep one side shiny by rubbing it on his thighs. He also carries a small white cotton napkin on field to maintain the ball.
"Perfect maintenance of the ball can make a huge impact on the game. It is a very important aspect and every team has one or two players who are in charge of maintaining the ball," said Champaka Ramanayake, the former Sri Lanka pace bowler and bowling coach. "It helps the ball to swing and for the spinners, it helps to grip the ball. Those who don't bowl shine the ball. Forget reverse swing too, this is important," he added.
Also Read: Colombo Test: Virat Kohli is 'in awe' of Sri Lanka despite India's victory
The Indian pace bowlers have claimed 12 of the 40 Sri Lankan wickets.
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