England vs India 2018: What If Virat Kohli fails to Clear the Fitness Test for Third Test?

Virat Kohli – the man who carries India’s hopes in the batting line-up, could be under the scrutiny. The Indian skipper had a stiff back as his lower back troubled him during the recently-concluded second Test match at Lord’s against England. Kohli didn’t take the field on Day four during England’s innings. Thus, he had to wait for his turn to bat before heading into the fitness test.

In fact, when Kohli came out to bat, the pain was palpable on his face. He is not someone who shows grimace, but there he was not rushing into his singles.

On the other hand, there was a mental pressure of losing the Test match which would have definitely hurt him more than his physical pain.

Virat Kohli is the backbone of India’s batting:

However, Kohli is confident that he would be fit for the third Test match that will take place at Trent Bridge in Nottingham from August 18.

Kohli has got five days under his belt to go through the rehabilitation process. It is well known that Kohli likes to give his 150 per cent on the field and if all goes well in the recovery, he might have to settle with 100 per cent.

However, he could struggle with his running between the wickets.

If Kohli fails to clear the Fitness Test, then it is going to be a massive blow for the Indian team. In fact, the Indian skipper is the only visitors’ batsman who has shown some promise to score runs in England.

The rest of batting line-up has fallen like a house of cards, and Kohli needs to get himself fit and ready for the third Test.

In fact, India is already 2-0 down in the series, and if there is any hope that they can make a comeback in the remainder of the series, it’s an inspiring comeback.

Kohli needs to fire at all cylinders. Kohli will hope to make a stronger comeback in the remainder of the series.

There is no doubt that the batsmen have let the team down and Kohli cannot be the lone warrior. The other batsmen will have to show more resistance to fight it out in the middle.

So, it is not going to be easy in the arduous conditions of England. Consequently, it is never easy playing in the red-ball version as well in the United Kingdom (UK).

If Kohli fails to recover in time, then India might fancy giving a chance to Karun Nair. The stylish Karnataka batsman had done well while leading the India A side in England.

Furthermore, Nair had scored a fine triple hundred against England in 2016. However, it was in the Indian conditions.

England Vs India, Third Test: It is going be a difficult road without Virat Kohli –

Ajinkya Rahane, who is India’s best bet in the foreign conditions has also struggled to find any impetus. Kohli’s deputy is looking out of sorts and would have to lead by example if Kohli is ruled out.

It is not that India cannot win a Test match without Kohli. They had done it against a competitive Australian side in Dharamshala.

Yes, that win had come in India. However, a team needs to overcome difficulties when the odds are against them. This is what makes a Champion side.

Yes, without Kohli, India chances will drop significantly. But if he doesn’t play the third Test match, other Indian players who have failed to live up to any expectations thus far will need to pull up their socks.

They cannot help themselves if they will keep thinking about Kohli’s fitness. If Kohli is there, it is good, and if he isn’t, the team needs to come up with exceptional performance to beat the in-form England side.

There is no doubt that if this Indian team plays its best cricket, they are capable of beating England even without Kohli. However, they need to tick the right boxes. It is going to be difficult without Kohli, but it is not impossible.

Indian team needs to show why they are the best Test side in the world. They are at the summit of the rankings for a reason, and they need to make a stronger comeback.

First of all, they need to show the stomach for a fight – which had gone missing in the second Test match at Lord’s.

Consequently, someone needs to give confidence to the team in the Indian dressing room.