India faced an injury scare as star batter Virat Kohli was spotted with a bandaged knee during a practice session ahead of the pink-ball Test against Australia in Adelaide. Although the bandage raised concerns, Kohli participated in fielding drills and net practice without showing signs of discomfort.
Kohli’s preparation included facing pink balls in the nets, ensuring he was ready for the challenges the Adelaide Test would bring. Team management will be keen to ensure his fitness doesn’t deteriorate, as his presence is crucial for India in the upcoming Test.
Kohli’s Form and Record at Adelaide
The former Indian captain boasts an outstanding record at the Adelaide Oval, scoring 509 runs in eight innings at an average of 63.62, including three centuries and a half-century. A fourth century at the venue would see him surpass England’s Jack Hobbs as the visiting batter with the most centuries at the iconic ground.
Kohli also has a commendable record in pink-ball Tests. In six innings, he has accumulated 277 runs at an average of 46.16, with a century and a half-century. His unbeaten 136 against Bangladesh in the 2019 Kolkata Test remains the only pink-ball century by an Indian batter.
Having regained his form with a brilliant century at Perth’s Optus Stadium, Kohli will be pivotal in India’s batting lineup as they aim to bounce back in the series.
Gill and Rohit Return in Warm-Up Match
In a positive development, Shubman Gill returned to action during a warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI, dispelling doubts about his thumb injury with an elegant fifty. Indian captain Rohit Sharma also featured in the game but was moved down the batting order to number four. The experiment didn’t yield results, as Rohit was dismissed for just three runs off 11 balls.
India won the 46-overs-a-side warm-up match by six wickets, chasing a target of 241 in 42.5 overs. The team continued batting through the final over for additional practice.
Key Decisions Looming for India
As the second Test approaches, questions remain regarding Rohit Sharma’s batting position and Kohli’s fitness. With Kohli’s stellar record at Adelaide and the return of Gill adding depth to the lineup, India will look to put their best foot forward in the pink-ball Test starting Friday.
