India vs Australia: Shreyas Iyer Called Up As Cover For Virat Kohli

Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer has been called up in the Indian team ahead of the decisive fourth Test starting on Saturday. Iyer, who has had a brilliant domestic season so far, has been called in as cover for India captain Virat Kohli, who injured his right shoulder in the third Test match in Ranchi. Kohli didn't come out to field after he got injured in the first innings of the Ranchi Test, but came out to bat in his usual position.

Iyer, on the other hand, has been rewarded for being consistent at the domestic level for the past three seasons. The young Mumbai-born batsman shot to limelight after bagging a contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the 2015 season where he pocketed a whopping sum of Rs 2.6 crore for the Delhi Daredevils. 

In fact, the attacking batsman hit a double hundred in the warm-up game against Australia at the CCI Stadium. Even though Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were rested during that match, Iyer's innings was praised by one and all.

Shreyas Iyer has been called in as cover for the injured India captain Virat Kohli. Photo Credit: AFP

Iyer, who is flying in tomorrow morning, may not be able to reach here on time for the training session which starts at 9:30 am. It is learnt that Kohli's inclusion in the playing eleven will depend on his fitness test conducted in the morning session.

Kohli skipped batting at the nets at Dharamsala on Thursday. It was also learnt that pacer Mohammed Shami will not be picked for the match as he is still being monitored by Indian team physio Patrick Farhart.

Kohli was present at the ground with his teammates on Thursday and took part in the customary warm-up with a bandaged right shoulder. He did some under-arm throwing during fielding practice, possibly not to exert too much pressure on his hurt shoulder.

With India having another practice session slated for Friday, Kohli is expected to bat at the nets. Known for his grit, the India skipper would not like to miss the last Test match to be played at Dharamsala.

Meanwhile, former India captain and Mumbai stalwart Dilip Vengsarkar said it was a big opportunity for Iyer to be drafted into the team even though as a cover for Kohli.

"It's good news. He's talented with lot of potential. He's been consistent. It's a big opportunity for him," Vengsarkar said.

Mumbai selection panel chairman Milind Rege said, "Someone who has scored tons of runs over the last three years has finally got his chance. He thoroughly deserved it."

(With PTI Inputs)