Pandya could be our Stokes says Captain Kohli

July 30 (Cricketnmore) - India registered a remarable victory against Sri Lanka in the opening Test at the Galle International Stadium on Saturday. India captain Kohli is very happy with the team's performance. 

Kohli is specially impressed by young all-rounder Hardik Pandya who made debut in the test and  believes that he for India what Ben Stokes is for England.

The 23-year-old made a quick-fire half-century in his first Test innings and took a wicket with his fast-medium right-arm offerings, adding another element to India's already strong attack.

"I have a lot of faith in him (Pandya) as far as any format is concerned," Kohli said at the press conference.

"If he grows in confidence you see someone like Ben Stokes, what he does for England, brings in great balance as an allrounder. I see no reason why Hardik Pandya can't become that for India.In the first innings, he didn't get opportunity to bowl much but I think in the second innings, he bowled really nicely on a wicket that wasn't offering much and he kept it in the right areas. He used the bouncer well. He bowls around 135kph, so he is a great asset."

His timing and power was on display in Galle during his first innings 50 from 49 deliveries.

"We would have (made) 540-550 in the first innings (if not for Pandya)," Kohli said after the young allrounder got the tourists to 600.

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Sahir