WATCH: Why did Virat Kohli refuse to shake hands with hotel staff in Kanpur ahead of 2nd Test?

Former Indian skipper and batting mainstay Virat Kohli has reached Kanpur for the 2nd Test against Bangladesh. Once he reached the hotel, India’s star batter was welcomed with a variety of gifts. The 35-year-old could be seen being flanked by a huge crowd as he was entering the hotel. 

In a video that is doing rounds on social media, Kohli could be seen taking some flowers. The veteran Indian star also could be heard saying, “Do hi haath hai sir” to explain why he didn’t shake hands with the fan. 

WATCH the video here:

Virat Kohli's welcome at the Team Hotel in Kanpur 🥰❤️ pic.twitter.com/cq4ku5pK3C

— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) September 24, 2024

The video also showed Rishabh Pant was welcomed warmly by the hotel staff. The 26-year-old was also welcomed with flowers as he posed for pictures with the staff. India and Bangladesh will play the 2nd Test at the Green Park stadium starting on Friday. 

Also read - When did India last play Test match in Kanpur and what was the result?

All eyes on Team India’s likely playing XI for 2nd Test

Having won then first game in Chennai by 280 runs, Team India will want to play with the authority in the 2nd Test. There are reports that the home team could opt to go in for a three spinner strategy. This opens gates for either Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel to force their return instead of a pacer. 

There are also questions about being asked about KL Rahul’s form ahead of the 2nd game. It is likely the veteran Indian batter will keep his place and Sarfaraz Khan could be released. Sarfaraz Khan could play for Mumbai against Rest of India in the Irani Trophy which is set to be led by Ajinkya Rahane. 

Bangladesh, could be without their former skipper Shakib Al Hasan. It was reported on Monday that the veteran Bangladeshi star was having issues with his finger while bowling. There could be a few changes in store for the visiting side as well having lost the 1st Test by a huge margin. 

Indian cricket fans will have their eyes on Ravindra Jadeja as well. The 35-year-old is just one wicket away from becoming the 1st Indian left-arm to pick 300 Test wickets. The left-arm spinner pickef 5 wickets during the Chennai test to move closer to record. The fans will also hope that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli come back to form. India’s two veteran batters had a poor time with the bat in the first game in Chennai.