Dharamsala: India captain Virat Kohli on Friday admitted that he is not even close to hundred percent fitness with a possibility that his right shoulder injury could get aggravated while fielding in the series decider here from Saturday.
While he didn’t confirm that he is out of the fourth and final Test but maintained that the rule that the team has made for any unfit player is very much applicable to him.
“I wouldn’t say it is a normal feeling. It is obviously different from how you play at 100% fitness. Those are the things that you need to address when you are going through (fitness) tests. As a batsman, you want to prepare a certain way. As a fielder, you want to contribute a certain way. Certainly, at this stage, the injury has an element of being aggravated in the field,” Kohli’s answer was a giveaway as to how he is feeling physically at this point in time.
“While batting, there is no problem whatsoever of it getting aggravated. So it’s a bit different obviously from when you are 100% fit. Again, you never know. I have taken medication after the last game, so I am just hoping that it takes me a bit more time to get back to the normal movements.”
This Indian team has an unwritten rule that any player who is not hundred percent should not take the field.
“When we put these things in place, same process applies for me as it does for all the other members of the team. There is no special treatment for anyone. Obviously, if, I am hundred percent fit for the game, is the only condition that I will take the field. So, the (said) rules apply for everyone,” he made it clear.
Asked about the element of risk being involved in playing through injury, Kohli said: “The physio can explain better. ”
Kohli said that he needs to be sure if he is in a condition to face bowlers sending down deliveries at 140 clicks plus pace even though he wants to push himself as a skipper.
Asked if the team has enough in its arsenal to cope if he misses the match, Kohli said: “If (I am) not (playing), I am sure the guys will take it as an opportunity to still take the team ahead. We have quality players who want to step up given these kinds of opportunities and you know, if that scenario happens. I am sure everyone’s looking at it as probably the game-changing game of their lives.”
