Virat Kohli concerned as Ravi Ashwin is forced out with repeat injuries

With just a few hours left for the fourth Test to start, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s participation in the match is still under the cloud. Skipper Virat Kohli while talking to the reporters addressed that the management needs to focus extensively in order to keep players fit and prevent reoccurrence of injuries. Ashwin has been struggling with an injury since the first Test of the series in Adelaide. He was sidelined for the previous two Tests, owing to a left abdominal side strain.

The Tamil Nadu offie picked three wickets in the first game. The 32-year old was later named in the 13-man squad for the series climax after initially being ruled out, it remains to be seen whether or not he will make it to the playing eleven. However, Kohli stated that Ashwin may most likely miss out on the final match.

The 30-year-old said that Ashwin is a vital part of the Test team and that it is important that he remains fully fit to be able to contribute more to the team. He also mentioned that more than anyone else he will be focussed on recovering from the two similar injuries he sustained.

“Well, it’s unfortunate that he has had two niggles quite similar in the last two away tours. He, more than anyone else will be focussed to correct this.” Kohli said in the pre-match press conference.

“The physio and the trainer have spoken to him on what is required to get over the injury. He is very important for sure. He is a very vital part of our team and we want him to be 100 percent fit and for a longer period so that he can contribute to us more in the Test format,” he added.

Kohli also conceded that Ashwin is disappointed

The skipper also mentioned that Ashwin himself is disappointed at not being able to recover in time for the encounter. He expressed his empathy by saying that an injury is unpredictable and when it occurs you just do your best to manage it and bounce back.

“He is very disappointed with the fact that he is not been able to recover on time but things have been laid out to him as to what needs to be done to get back on track. Honestly you can’t predict. When it happens, you just manage and doing what you can to get over the injury.” Kohli further said.

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