In a significant blow to Team India’s preparations for the upcoming Test series against England, former skipper Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two matches due to personal reasons, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The BCCI Secretary, Jay Shah, disclosed that the replacement for Kohli in the first two Tests would be announced shortly.
The absence of Kohli, a key figure in India’s batting lineup, raises questions about the team’s strategy and lineup for the crucial series against Ben Stokes-led England. The first Test is scheduled to take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday.
In a media advisory released on Monday, the BCCI conveyed that Kohli, after discussions with captain Rohit Sharma and the team management, requested to be withdrawn from the initial Tests of the England series. The BCCI urged fans and the media to respect Kohli’s privacy during this period and refrain from speculating about the nature of his personal reasons.
“The BCCI respects his decision, and the Board and team management have extended their support to the star batter. They are confident in the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series,” stated the BCCI in its official statement.
Kohli’s absence from the optional training session in Hyderabad further fueled discussions about his decision. The 35-year-old last played a Test match during the South Africa series, contributing significantly to India’s series-levelling victory at Cape Town.
With Kohli sitting out of the first two Tests, contenders like Cheteshwar Pujara, Rajat Patidar, Abhimanyu Easwaran, and Sarfaraz Khan emerge as potential additions to the Indian squad for the England series.
The cricketing community awaits the announcement of Kohli’s replacement as Team India prepares to face England in what promises to be a challenging Test series.
