SA vs IND: Virat Kohli confirmed he is fit, but Siraj isn’t ready to play
Virat Kohli confirmed on Monday that Indian bowler Mohammed Siraj will miss the third and final Test, SA vs IND.
The third and final Test, which begins on Tuesday in Cape Town, will pit India against South Africa. Kohli has also stated that he is fit to play on Tuesday. The Indian Test captain did not want to take any chances with Siraj, who is suffering from a niggle, thus the pacer will miss the third Test.
“Yes, I am in excellent physical condition. Siraj is clearly recuperating from the niggle he suffered in the previous game, but I don’t believe he is fit to play yet” said Kohli during a virtual press conference.
“We can’t risk a player who isn’t fit because we know how damaging a minor niggle that develops into an injury can be to the team. Siraj isn’t up to par, but I’m in great shape” he added.
The series is tied at 1-1, and the series decider has all to play for.
SA vs IND: Virat Kohli confirmed he is fit, but Siraj isn’t ready to play
In response to a question about player fitness, Kohli stated:
“More so now that we are playing in conditions where we are frequently constrained, I believe that these issues are already being discussed and handled, and that things will improve as time goes on. This is the only way to handle it; you can’t afford to lose any key players. These are the few things I’ve noticed that have caused players to complain.”
Squad
India: Virat Kohli (c), KL Rahul, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Priyank Panchal, Hanuma Vihari, Shreyas Iyer, Mayank Agarwal, Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav.
(With ANI Inputs)