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What’s the story?
With the news of Virat Kohli missing the first few matches of the IPL breaking out, the Royal Challengers Bangalore were dealt a massive blow in their bid to win their first ever title. Shortly after that, it was revealed that KL Rahul would miss the entire season due to a shoulder injury and just when things couldn’t go further downhill, newly appointed captain AB De Villiers injured his back.
There has been a lot of speculation regarding when Kohli would return to the side and whether he would play the IPL at all. The Indian cricket team captain took to social media platform Twitter to give us an update on his injury and his possible comeback.
The Context
Kohli suffered a shoulder injury while fielding during the 3rd Test between India and Australia in Ranchi. The incident occurred during Australia’s first innings of the Test.
Shortly after the lunch break when Peter Handscomb patted a flat Ravindra Jadeja delivery slightly wide of mid-on and the captain ran after the ball, he pulled out a dive in order to haul the ball back in. However, he landed on the shoulder and jammed it in the process.
He was seen clutching his shoulder and left the field after physio Patrick Farhart had a look at it on the field.
The Details:
On 1 April 2017, a BCCI Press Release had confirmed that Kohli would miss the initial part of the tournament. However, they did not give the entire details as to how long he would be out for or when he would return. They are expected to provide an update on his availability in the second week of April.
Extra Cover: 5 RCB Players who can captain the side in Ab de Villiers’ absence
Just a few days ago, coach Daniel Vettori confirmed that AB De Villiers would take up the captaincy in the absence of Kohli. Unfortunately, the South African injured his back and was forced out of the Momentum Cup final in South Africa and there is no news about whether he would take the field for RCB or not.
What’s next?
As Kohli continued to undergo rehabilitation, he would have to support his side from the sidelines as they take on defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first match of the tournament at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium in Hyderabad on April 5th.
Author’s Take
It’s great to see Kohli working on his fitness and nursing his shoulder in a bid to regain his strength and return to his side and help bolster their chances to win their first ever IPL. However, given the extent of the injury, one cannot say how long he would have to sit out for and we can only wait for the final confirmation from the BCCI.
Kohli should also ensure not to compromise on his fitness given the fact that the all-important ICC Champions Trophy will begin shortly after the IPL on June 1 in England.
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