(Photo: Getty Images)
By Adam Ellis
Virat Kohli’s highly-anticipated arrival at Surrey has been called off, the BCCI has confirmed after the India captain suffered a neck injury playing in the IPL.
The global superstar was set to join the set-up at The Oval for the month of June, but it has been revealed Kohli will undergo a rehabilitation programme to fast track his return to full fitness, with reports in India suggesting he may have a slipped disc.
“Team India Captain Mr Virat Kohli suffered a neck injury while fielding during Match 51 of the VIVO IPL between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad on 17th May 2018 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru,” read a statement by the BCCI.
“Mr Kohli, who was scheduled to play for Surrey CCC in the month of June, has been ruled out from participating.
“This decision was taken following assessments by the BCCI Medical team, subsequent scans, and a specialist visit.
“The Team India captain will now undergo a period of rehabilitation under the supervision of the BCCI Medical team.
“He will begin training and subsequently undergo a fitness test at the NCA in Bengaluru from June 15. The BCCI Medical Team is confident that Mr Kohli will regain full fitness ahead of India’s upcoming tours to Ireland and England.”
With batsman Dean Elgar set to end his stay at Surrey to join up with South Africa at the end of this month, director of cricket Alec Stewart will be on the hunt for a new person to step into Kohli’s shoes come June.
