Eyeing T20 WC, Kohli hints at Prasidh Krishna as 'surprise package'

Indian captain Virat Kohli on Tuesday hinted that Karnataka pacer Prasidh Krishna, who turns out for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, could be a "surprise package" going into the T20 World Cup.

On a day when his lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah returned from a long injury layoff, Kohli spoke about the options at his disposal as India geared up for the mega event, to be held in Australia later this year.

"I think there'll be one player who will be a surprise package. Prasidh Krishna is someone who has bowled really well in domestic cricket," Kohli said after India's seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second T20 International here.

Given that the skipper has mentioned his name, the 23-year-old could be part of the team for the upcoming New Zealand tour.

For the uninitiated, besides his exploits at the domestic circuit, Krishna showed composure while bowling the Super Over in a high-stakes IPL game against Delhi Capitals last year.

Kohli was delighted with the result at the Holkar Stadium, and the manner in which it was achieved.

"This was a clinical performance, and that's how we want to build on each series. We have ticked a few more boxes this time. Brilliant from Navdeep (Saini)."

The young Saini picked two wickets during an impressive outing.

"He has done well in ODI cricket, and he's bowling well in T20s, with experienced guys like Jasprit, Bhuvi and Shardul. It's a really good sign for the team.

About Bumrah's comeback, he said, "He was really keen to bowl again, and his pace was up again. We have to choose who will be our best skills.

With his eyes trained on the mega event slated to be held later this year, the prolific scorer is keen to get the team combination right well in advance.

"We're on track for the T20 World Cup. I want to see youngsters winning us games under pressure," Kohli said ahead of the second T20 International against Sri Lanka here.

"These games are to help us figure out who those guys are," the batting maestro added.

Sri Lanka skipper Lasith Malinga said they felly short by at least 25 runs of what would have been a competitive total to defend.

"I thought we were lacking by about 25 runs. We were looking at 160 or so. The bowlers did a good job of sticking to their job."

Man of the Match Saini said, "I was back in the T20 team after such a long time, that's why I felt quite confident and eager."