Virat skips batting at practice, Sh rey as Iyer called up as cover
India skipper in race to recover from shoulder injury; Mumbai batsman flies in as cover for final Test
DHARAMSALA: India skipper Virat Kohli has been the driving force for his team’s continued success through a long home run, but could well be forced to sit out for arguably the hosts’ biggest match of the season, the final Test against Australia starting on Saturday.
Kohli, who injured his right shoulder after landing heavily while stopping a boundary in the third Test in Ranchi, did come out to bat in that game. But it appears the injury is, as was initially feared, somewhat severe.
On Thursday, Kohli skipped batting in the nets at the HPCA stadium, which will make its debut as a Test venue. His shoulder in a kinesic tape, the India skipper was seen in discussion with the team’s Aussie physio, Patrick Farhart. Coach Anil Kumble joined in, looking grim, as Farhart examined the shoulder. As of now, it is seen as a precautionary step as the Indian team management would want Kohli to lead the side. He did take part in the warm-up sessions, but restricted himself to underarm throws during the fielding drills.
SHREYAS AS COVER
Indian has called up young Mumbai top-order batsman, Shreyas Iyer, as cover, and he will reach Dharamsala on Friday morning. Though, Kohli’s absence would be a blow, the team would not like him to aggravate the injury.
Iyer, 22, has enjoyed a superb run in domestic cricket in the last two years.
He was the leading Ranji Trophy run-getter in the 2014-15 season, and topped the aggregate last season for Mumbai when they finished runners-up to Gujarat.
The aggressive batsman also had a feel of the Aussie attack in the drawn warm-up tie versus India A in Mumbai before the series. Iyer scored his highest first-class score of 202 not out, off just 210 deliveries.
FITNESS TEST
Friday’s final training session for India will virtually be a fitness Test for Kohli. However, the Indian skipper will be desperate to play in the high-voltage game.
While the Aussies have directed plenty at the Indian skipper, he has not fired in this series, with scores of 0, 13, 12, 15 and 6.
The Dharamsala pitch usually has good carry and Kohli would be hoping to shake off the poor run in this series.
Kohli was off the field for a long period in Ranchi as Ajinkya Rahane led the team, and although the BCCI media release said it was only a ‘strain’ and that Kohli would return to action, the manner of his fall suggested it could be more serious.
SHAMI BOWLS
In the afternoon, Mohammed Shami had a short bowling stint in the nets, raising speculation he might be recalled into the 11. But it remains to be seen whether, Shami, though he proved his fitness in the Vijay Hazare Trophy final, will be called up for such a crucial tie at the risk of a fresh breakdown.