India vs Australia: Virat Kohli Says Suffering From Back 'Niggles' Since 2011, Plays Down Injury Fears

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Team India skipper Virat Kohli addressed the media ahead of the fourth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and played down fears that recurring back spasms could hinder his record-breaking career. The 30-year-old insisted that all players get "niggles" and they were "nothing new". "I've had this issue since 2011, it's nothing new," Kohli said in Sydney ahead of the fourth and final Test against Australia starting on Thursday.

Kohli received treatment from the physio on day two of the Melbourne Test against Australia last week, appearing to be in pain just before he was out for 82 in the first innings.

He has a recent history of back problems and was forced off the field during the second Test in England earlier this year.

But Kohli, widely considered the best batsman across all three formats of the game, said it wasn't a major concern.

"I've been able to manage it because of the physical effort I've put in over the past few years. And when you have a back that has these issues you can only maintain it that way," Kohli added.

Kohli stressed on the fact that he was "not too bothered" about the issue.

"If the workload gets high it can get into a spasm, I mean you don't necessarily get serious issues, you get fine in two or three days," he said.

"I'm not too concerned with it, you just have to manage it physically and stay ahead of the injury and I have been able to do it for now.

"I'm sure I'll find other ways and more options to keep countering that.

"I mean, it's impossible to keep going without niggles and I think it's fine to have a few niggles here and there. You just need to be able to manage it."

Kohli, who has recorded highest international runs for three years in a row, has been at the forefront of Indian cricket for a decade now and is aiming to be the first captain in the country's history to win a Test series in Australia.

(With AFP Inputs)