Off- form Kohli in doubt for decider
VIRAT Kohli’s tumultuous series appears almost certain to end with him missing the deciding fourth Test in Dharamsala.
In what shapes as a catastrophic blow to his team, Kohli has all but ruled himself out of the biggest match of his captaincy career after admitting he is not fit enough to meet his own criteria for playing.
Kohli will face an 11th hour fitness test but the skipper’s dejected face at yesterday’s dramatic press conference suggested he is all but consigned to the fact India will lose their inspirational leader.
The captain has enforced a policy in the Indian team that no one plays if they’re not 100 per cent fit, and after declaring that no exceptions would be made for his own position, Kohli went on to say he is not right.
Shreyas Iyer is set to play in Kohli’s place, and they’re enormous shoes to fill.
Kohli has averaged a dismal nine this series with the bat, but India needs his aggressive captaincy and infectious desire if they are to topple Australia.
“Sometimes you have to respect the fact that these things are a part of your career and these things are bound to happen,” said Kohli.
“You might be very, very fit but an impact injury is an impact injury. I have to accept that fact and try and get 100 per cent fit for the game. If not, I’m sure guys will take it as an opportunity to still take the team ahead.
“Me playing or not playing shouldn’t make so much of a difference to the other 10 guys because they have a responsibility to fulfil as well.”