Dharmsala Test: Injured Virat Kohli skips batting practice, Shreyas Iyer called up as cover for skipper

As Virat Kohli's participation in the fourth Test hangs in balance, selectors have called young Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer as a back up for him.

Dharamsala: Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who injured his shoulder while fielding in the ongoing Test series against Australia, could not bat in the nets ahead of the decisive fourth Test at Dharamsala against Steve Smith's men.

While other players sweat it out in the nets, Kohli, who injured his shoulder during the Ranchi Test, skipped the batting session which was a clear indication that he has still not fully recovered from the injury.

As his participation in the fourth Test hangs in balance, selectors have called young Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer as a back up for him.

While Iyer till now is strictly a cover, one can safely assume that Kohli will try his best to make it to the playing eleven, considering how important it is for him to play this particular game.

Young right hander Iyer has been rewarded for his prolific showing in domestic cricket for Mumbai over the last two seasons.

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.

Today, Kohli was present at the ground with his teammates. With a bandage on his right shoulder and bicep region, Kohli took part in the customary warm-up. He did some under-arm throwing during fielding practice.

Perhaps it was more to do with not exerting pressure on his hurt shoulder.

Known for his guts, the India skipper will not even in his dream like to miss a Test match, which is set to decide the series.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that Mohammed Shami does not have a chance to be picked for the game.

"Shami was with the team in Ranchi also as physio Patrick Farhart is monitoring his progress. He was not named in the squad of 15 for the final Test. Sending him to play Vijay Hazare final was a part of that extensive rehabilitation plan," a well-informed source told PTI today.

(With PTI inputs)