Haren
With just over a week left for the high-profile Border Gavaskar Trophy series, India star Virat Kohli has reportedly undergone scans for a mysterious injury. Kohli, who had a nightmarish series against New Zealand, turned up for India’s internal practice on Friday.
As per The Sydney Morning Herald, the nature of the niggle is uncertain but a source confirmed to the Australian media outlet that Kohli did undergo scans.
The Indian management is already under a lot of pressure coming from a demoralising whitewash against New Zealand. Captain Rohit Shama’s unavailability for the first Test has made things tougher for the side.
KL Rahul, who will open in place of Rohit, faced an injury scare on Friday after getting hit on his elbow during a practice session. Even though Kohli is going through a rough patch, the experience and skills he brings to the table, makes him a reliable bet. Kohli has been one of India’s mainstays since making his debut back in 2011.
The 36-year-old has averaged 31.68 in his last 60 Test innings but this calendar year the numbers have fallen further to unimpressive 22.72 from six Tests. But Kohli has shown a special liking for the pacy Australian pitches, averaging 54.08 in four Tours down under.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri reckons Kohli will overcome the recent slump in form and make the best of Australian conditions. “Well, the king is back in his territory,” Shastri said on the ICC Review show. “That’s all I will tell (the doubters). When you’ve earned that title after your exploits in Australia, it will be on your (opponent’s) mind when you go out to bat.”
