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India Vs Australia: Will play in Dharamsala only if I'm 100 per cent fit, says Virat Kohli

India skipper Virat Kohli on Friday dropped a major hint that he may not be able to feature in Dharamsala Test as he hasn't completely recovered from the shoulder injury.

Dharamsala, March 24: Team India skipper Virat Kohli on Friday (March 24) said that he hasn't yet recovered from the shoulder injury that he sustained in Ranchi and he'll play in the fourth Test only if he's 100 per cent fit.

Probable India XI for Dharamsala</a>; <a href=Photos" title="Probable India XI for Dharamsala; Photos" />Probable India XI for Dharamsala; Photos

"I'll play only if I'm 100 per cent fit," Kohli said, while addressing media persons in the press conference on the eve of the fourth and final Test against Australia, dropping a big hint that he may not be featuring in the playing XI on Saturday (March 25).

Virat Kohli with team physiotherapist Patrick Farhart during a practice session at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala

With the series tied 1-1, winner of the fourth Test match will win the series 2-1 and claim the prestigious Border Gavaskar Trophy. (Iyer called as cover for Kohli)

Kohli also told media persons that there are capable players in the side to replace him, if he's not able to play the crucial match. Kohli also expressed confidence that his side will do well in the must-win game.

"We are the No.1 Test team in the world and we have quality players in our side who can contribute whenever an opportunity comes their way," said Kohli.

The 28-year-old skipper also made it abundantly clear that the rules for every player in the team are the same and he's no exception.

"I'll be able to earn a spot into the side only if I am match fit, else I too have to sit on the benches," stressed Kohli.

Kohli also praised Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jadeja for their performances in the previous match in Ranchi, which ended in a draw.

Young Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer has already been called as cover for Kohli. Iyer has been rewarded for his prolific showing in domestic cricket for Mumbai over the last two seasons. In fact, the attacking batsman hit a double hundred in the warm-up game against Australia at the CCI Stadium.

Kohli's inclusion in the playing eleven will depend on his fitness test conducted in the morning session on Saturday. In his absence, Ajinkya Rahane would be leading the side in Dharamsala as stand-in captain.

Kohli on Thursday skipped batting at India's net session ahead of the fourth cricket Test against Australia. Kohli is nursing an injury on his right shoulder sustained while trying to save a boundary in Australia's first innings at Ranchi.

While there were speculations that he would be forced to take a break, Kohli defied odds as he came out to bat even though he didn't score too many runs in the third Test.

Kohli was present at the ground with his teammates on Thursday. With a bandaged right shoulder, Kohli took part in the customary warm-up. He did some under-arm throwing during fielding practice.

However, Kohli's statement during interaction with the media today hints that there is a high probability that he might not be a part of the playing XI on Saturday.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 3, 2017, 7:45 [IST]
Other articles published on Aug 3, 2017