Just one spot open in India's T20 World Cup pace attack, says Virat Kohli

“The fight obviously is for one spot and I think more or less three guys have made a place for themselves," he said, speaking ahead of India's three-match Twenty20 International series against West Indies. "It’s going to be a healthy competition and it will be interesting to see how it pans out."

Kohli also lavished praise on his fast bowlers, welcoming competition into the group. “It’s not that big an issue for us. I think Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] and [Jasprit] Bumrah are experienced bowlers. They have been very consistent in T20 cricket. Deepak [Chahar] has come in and has bowled really well."

One of the biggest positives for India in 2019 has been the resurgence of Mohammed Shami, who has picked up 70 wickets in just 26 games across formats. His bowling average across formats is 19.12 this year, as opposed to a career average of 26.21.

Kohli is mighty impressed with the pacer's development, but expects him to adapt well to international T20 cricket. Shami played his last T20I against West Indies in 2017, and incidentally, he is set to return to India's T20I side in their upcoming series against the same opposition.

“Shami is coming back and he is bowling really well. If he gets into a rhythm and specifically works on what’s required in T20 cricket then he will be very, very useful in places like Australia, especially with his ability to pick wickets with the new ball. He has enough pace to execute yorkers,” explained Kohli.

The first of three T20Is between India and West Indies will be played on Friday, 6 December, in Hyderabad.