Virat Kohli misses net session, Shami not available for the final Test

Team India skipper Virat Kohli who injured his right shoulder during the 3rd Test in Ranchi missed India’s net session ahead of the final Test in Dharamsala starting in less than 48 hours time. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami who scalped 4 wickets in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match very recently failed to recuperate from his injury and won’t be available for the final Test. He is still being monitored by Team India physio Patrick Farhart.

Kohli fell awkwardly on his right shoulder while trying to save a boundary near the boundary cushions during the opening day of the 3rd Test. While it became viral in the social media that he won’t take any further part in the match, the man who leads by example defied the odds and returned to lead his team and also batted in the only innings. Though he only scored 6, his positive frame of mind will keep him in good stead going into the decider in Dharamsala.

Kohli took part in the customary warm-up session with a bandaged right shoulder and did some underarm throwing during the practise session. It was more of a precautionary measure taken by Kohli and the team management to shield him from any further injuries ahead of the deciding encounter.

With another practise session scheduled for tomorrow, it is almost certain that Kohli will bat in the nets. The man who has led India from the front in their long home season will be wary of the fact that the final match will decide the outcome of the series and India needs him out there. On the other hand, Shami doesn’t have any chance to be picked for the final game of the series despite impressive performance in the recent Vijay Hazare clash.

“Shami was with the team in Ranchi also as Farhart is monitoring his progress. He was not named in the squad of 15 for the final Test. Sending him to play Vijay Hazare final was a part of that extensive rehabilitation plan,” a source close to BCCI was quoted as saying by PTI.