Vijay not concerned about extra responsibility

India opener Murali Vijay says the fact that Test captain Virat Kohli wants five specialist bowlers in the side does not add any extra pressure on the batsmen.

Since Kohli became Test skipper he has insisted that India play the extra bowler, instead of the traditional four, and that the batsmen have to take responsibility to score the runs.

Speaking ahead of India's tour to Sri Lanka for three Tests, Vijay feels his role as a specialist batsman in the team does not change if they play one more bowler.

Vijay said: "It's actually not demanding. It is actually our role and if any one of us clicks, it's going to be good for the team and we are going to be in a much comfortable position on most times. So it is a good challenge.

"It is a good responsibility to have on your shoulder to go in and bat and these are good things. If you are looking to dominate in a Test match, you have to perform as a team. You should have the plans and work according to them."

With Vijay and fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan hitting big centuries in India's last Test against Bangladesh and Lokesh Rahul in the frame for an opening berth, Vijay thinks the competition for starting spots is healthy.

He says: "It (the competition in the top-order) is going to add more challenge for everybody to pull up their socks and do their bit for the team. Be as consistent as possible and it's a good challenge and good thing to have in a team."

The first Test between India and Sri Lanka starts on 12 August in Galle.

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