Virat Kohli was quite upbeat in the pre-match press conference, on Wednesday, ahead of the Test match against West Indies. The first match of the two-match Test series which will take place at Rajkot, starting October 4. Returning after a three-week break, the skipper talked about the new faces – Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, and Prithvi Shaw - in the Indian squad and the opportunities that lie ahead of them. India vs West Indies 2018 Schedule: Full Match Timetable With Dates, Timings, and Venue Details as Windies Set To Play 2 Tests, 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is.

Kohli heaped praise on the trio about their consistent performances in the domestic circuit. The skipper said that the newcomers should look at their inclusion in the squad as an opportunity and not as pressure. Virat Kohli May Beat Mohammad Azharuddin’s Record in India vs West Indies Test Series 2018 Starting October 4.

He said, “Someone like Hanuma Vihari, Prithvi Shaw or Mayank Agrawal have been brought in because they've done well in domestic circuit consistently. They should look at it as an opportunity and not as pressure. It is a great chance for them to cement their place and play for a long time.” Ajinkya Rahane Starts Preparing for India vs West Indies; Sweats it Out in the Nets (Watch Video).

Speaking on his views on the Test series against the West Indies, Kohli said that the team would be looking to set a new benchmark. With new recruits in the squad, they will have the chance to showcase their skills. Karun Nair's Exclusion From Test Squad Questioned by Former Chief Selector Dilip Vengsarkar.

He said, “We'd like to take the series as a benchmark we would like to set. With a couple of new guys coming in at the top of the order, they have a chance to show the skill set they have got; I think it is a good opportunity for them.”

Here's what Virat Kohli had to say ahead of the first Test match against West Indies:

Virat Kohli was rested for the recently concluded Asia Cup, where India won the multi-nation tournament under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. Returning from the break, Kohli would himself be looking to find the groove before the crucial full-fledged tour to Australia.

The Indian selectors dropped Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, and Dinesh Karthik from India’s Test squad, while selecting younger and in-form players who have consistent performances in their kitty to boast about. India vs West Indies Test Series 2018: Mayank Agarwal, Kuldeep Yadav, Prithvi Shaw Amongst Other Key Players for Indian Team!

Watch Video of India vs West Indies Series 2018 Schedule: Fixtures, Time-Table, and Venues of 2 Tests, 5 ODIs, and 3 T20Is:

How good the young players come in the Test Series against West Indies is for time to tell. However, one can surely see that skipper Virat Kohli is backing the youngsters in the squad already! Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about India vs West Indies Test Series 2018!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2018 12:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).