I am absolutely fit but can’t risk Siraj as he isn’t ready to play 3rd Test: Virat Kohli
PTI, Jan 10, 2022, 4:05 PM IST
Image Credit: ANI
Cape Town: India captain Virat Kohli on Monday said he will return to the team for the series-deciding third Test against South Africa here as he is ”absolutely fit” but ruled out the participation of pacer Mohammed Siraj.
Kohli, who missed the second Test because of an upper back spasm, had nets with the rest of the team at Newlands on Sunday. He batted without any visible discomfort, lunging forward to play the drives.
”I am absolutely fit,” Kohli said at the pre-match press conference.
However, he added that Siraj will not feature in the game after he suffered a hamstring injury in Johannesburg, where India lost by seven wickets.
”Siraj is obviously recovering from the (hamstring) niggle he had in the last game and at present, I don’t think he is match-ready to take the field in the third Test.
”You cannot obviously risk a guy who is not at 110 percent as a fast bowler and we know how important that is as the little niggle he had can extend into an injury,” the skipper said.
”Siraj is not up to the mark,” he added.
However, the skipper did not say whether Ishant Sharma will get the nod ahead of Umesh Yadav.
”As I said, we are yet to sit down, myself, the head coach, and vice-captain to decide what we want to do about replacement,” he said. ”And I say that because of our bench strength and it’s difficult for us to figure out as everyone is bowling well, batting well, these things become a point of contention and we need to have a healthy discussion on a decision on that and just that everyone feels balanced (okay) about it,” he explained.
”But I am happy being in this position sitting here trying to decide who is going to play rather than having other options.” Team India will look to bounce back in the third and final Test of the series, which is scheduled to begin here Tuesday.
India kicked off the South Africa tour on a perfect note, crushing the hosts by 113 runs in the series-opener at Centurion.
However, the Proteas won the second game to leave the three-match series level at 1-1.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
IOA submits ‘Letter of Intent’ to host 2036 Olympics in India
Mohammed Shami’s return to competitive cricket delayed; not to play for Bengal against Karnataka, MP
IPL auction set to be held in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh at end of November
So proud of you: Ravindra reveals rare message from dad after NZ’s historic series win
Gautam Gambhir’s performance under scanner after disaster in Sri Lanka and India
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Malegaon blast trial: Court issues bailable warrant against Pragya Thakur
Waqf Issue: JPC chair Jagdambika Pal to visit Hubballi, Vijayapura on November 7
Maharashtra Polls: Eknath Shinde targets Uddhav for `giving up’ Bal Thackeray’s principles for power
Shivamogga: Wild elephant dies due to electrocution form farm fence; Landowner detained
Folk singer Sharda Sinha’s condition critical, PM in direct contact with treating doctors
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.