Kohli plays down poor form as India seek New Zealand whitewash

India skipper Virat Kohli took a bullish stance on Friday about his own poor form as he prepared to lead his side into the third Test against New Zealand.

Reuters/Rupak De Chowdhuri

The hosts rose to the top spot in the International Cricket Council world rankings following their victory in the second Test in Kolkata.

Since scoring his first Test double century against the West Indies in July, Kohli has failed to pass 50 in any of his subsequent seven innings and is averaging only 20 against New Zealand.

India's comfortable wins in the first two matches of the three Test series have allowed them to overtake Pakistan at the summit of the ICC's lists and also mask Kohli's run drought.

The 27-year-old has been widely lauded for absorbing the additional pressure of being captain since taking over from the legendary MS Dhoni.

"I don't think there is anything called form," said Kohli on the eve of the third Test at the Holkar Stadium in Indore in central India. "It's how you feel on a particular day. As for my own form, I don't really think about these things, because cricket is a game where you prepare well but the result cannot be in your hand all the time, especially batting where you have only one chance."

India's batsmen have been sound in the first two Tests but Shikhar Dhawan's broken thumb has opened the door for a recall at the top of the order for veteran Gautam Gambhir.

The 34-year-old played the last of his 56 Tests on India's tour of England in the summer of 2014. But he has forced his way back into contention after a strong showing on the domestic circuit.

There will also be a change to the bowling line-up after medium-pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took six wickets in Kolkata, was ruled out with a back strain. The uncapped Shardul Thakur has been drafted in as a replacement.

New Zealand are expected to welcome back skipper Kane Williamson, who missed the second Test due to a viral infection.

The Black Caps will be aiming to avoid their second successive series whitewash in India after losing the 2012 series 2-0.

Ross Taylor, who skippered the side in the second Test in Williamson's absence, said New Zealand would maintain their aggressive style of play.

"We're still fizzing to go and hopefully we can play some fear-free cricket to put India under pressure," he said.

 "We've tried to be aggressive. We always try and be aggressive. It didn't work in Kolkata but we will still be aggressive and hopefully we can get a better result."