Kohli takes fitness test at NCA
Virat Kohli took a fitness test after a short injury rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Friday.
As Hardik Pandya and R Ashwin were batting during India’s first innings against Afghanistan, the attention shifted to the Yo-Yo test which has been made mandatory for selection in Indian team. Along with Kohli, Indian team members heading for the Ireland and England tour for T20 and ODI series were also put through the paces by the NCA fitness trainers.
Kohli in the lead pack had the company of MS Dhoni, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suresh Raina and Kedar Jadhav. He looked comfortable during the test, showing no discomfort whatsoever due to his injury. Indian team’s fitness trainer Shankar Basu was also present. The test, which was made mandatory, has already seen many players missing out on tours. Recently Sanju Samson failed at it and was replaced by Ishan Kishan in the India A squad.
Kohli had hurt his neck while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore, during their win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League on May 17. Despite carrying the injury, Kohli featured in RCB’s next match against Rajasthan Royals. His injury also curtailed his preparations for the England tour, starting August 1, as he couldn’t go for his maiden county stint with Surrey. After scans, Kohli was assessed by the BCCI medical team and was advised rehab.
Siddharth Kual, Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzuvendra Chahal were in the second pack of the Yo-Yo test. While both Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah were rested for the Afghanistan Test, Kohli was the only one carrying an injury.
This is Kohli’s second injury break. He hurt his shoulder while fielding in the Ranchi Test against Australia which ruled him out for most of IPL 2017.
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