‘Horses for courses’ is what seems to have been Virat Kohli’s mantra for success as India’s Test captain. In all the 38 Test matches that he has captained in, for India, Kohli has never played the same playing in consecutive Test matches. In all those matches, the Indian skipper has made at least one change in the team.

As India beat England in the third Test at Nottingham, it looked like the Indian team had performed collectively as a team, for the first time in the series. The openers got a start, the middle order scored runs, and the bowlers played their part exceptionally well, in both the innings.

Looking at the practice sessions of the Indian team, it gives a hint that the same playing XI will be preferred. The Indian team practised in the similar pattern of their batting line-up in the nets. Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul practised first. Then it was Cheteshawar Pujara, and Virat Kohli padded up next, followed by Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya.

There were injury concerns for R Ashwin; however, he was seen doing some batting practice in the nets too. The newly added pair in the squad, Hanuma Vihari and Prithvi Shaw, were also seen at India’s practise session. Will they get a look-in ahead of a set (read formidable) playing XI?

As per the performances in the third Test, there is not one player who can be dropped for the next Test match. It will be a tough call for Kohli to select the playing XI in the Southampton Test.

Never in his captaincy stint has Kohli played the same XI. His knack of tinkering with the line-up has often resulted in positives than negatives. However, given how the team has performed in the previous match and the conditions at Southampton, the streak might end as the fourth Test match.

India scripted a remarkable comeback in the third Test match to keep the series alive and ticking. Currently, India is 2-1 down in the series and would look forward to drawing level with the hosts, England.

Will Virat Kohli play the same XI for the first time in his captaincy or not is for the Indian team management to decide! For now, it seems the change is quite imminent.

India vs England 4th Test match will begin from August 30. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates India vs England Test Series 2018 here!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2018 02:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).