Team India began their preparations for the upcoming five-match Test series against Australia with the intra-squad game that got underway on Friday (November 15) at the WACA.
While India were initially supposed to take on India A in a practice game, they eventually decided against it and instead opted for an intra-squad game. As the players were busy in the intra-squad game, a report from the Sydney Morning Herald sent down shockwaves across the Indian cricketing fraternity.
The Australian news outlet claimed that batting superstar Virat Kohli underwent scans on a mystery injury just over a week out from the start of the first Test. They further stated that although the nature of Virat Kohli’s injury was unclear, the former India skipper did have scans on Thursday (November 14).
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Virat Kohli and KL Rahul are fine
However, a report in the Times of India has claimed that Virat Kohli is absolutely fine and is in no discomfort. The veteran batsman also batted without issue during the intra-squad game.
“Virat Kohli is absolutely fine. He batted in the match simulation without any discomfort and also had a hit in the net after he got out. No concerns there,” a source told the news outlet.
The report also gave an update on KL Rahul’s injury. The right-handed batsman was forced to retire hurt after copping a blow on his elbow. The news outlet has claimed that KL Rahul’s decision to walk off the field was a precautionary measure and that there are no major concerns with him.
With captain Rohit Sharma’s participation in the first Test against Australia still in doubt, Rahul is the frontrunner to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rohit and his wife Ritika Sajdeh are expecting their first child and the India opener is likely to remain unavailable for the first Test. At present, Rohit is training and batting in Mumbai.
Kohli flops in intra-squad game:
Virat Kohli failed to get going with the bat in the intra-squad game. As per reports, the star batsman started his innings on a positive note, playing two brilliant cover drives for fours. However, he did not last long and was out for 15 runs. He departed after edging a Mukesh Kumar delivery to the fielder at the second slip.
Kohli will be desperate to bounce back after his poor display against New Zealand and Bangladesh in Tests at home. In 5 Tests, he managed to score just one fifty.
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