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Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons, the BCCI announced on Monday (January 22). The selectors are preparing to name a replacement soon.
“Virat has spoken to Captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasized that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention,” the Cricket Board of India (BCCI) said in a press release
“The BCCI respects his decision, and the Board and team management have expressed their support for the star batter. They are also confident in the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series.
“The BCCI requests that the media and fans respect Virat Kohli’s privacy during this period and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons. The emphasis should remain on supporting the Indian cricket team as they face new challenges in the Test series,” the release stated.
Virat Kohli Statistics and Match Updates
Kohli, who averaged 42.36 runs in 1991 Tests against England, missed the white-ball games and played the Test series in South Africa. He also missed the first T20I against Afghanistan but played in the subsequent two games.
With their No. 4 batter set to miss the first two Tests, India can move Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul up a spot each, while bringing in KS Bharat or Dhruv Jurel as a frontline wicketkeeper. Outside of the squad, Rajat Patidar, who recently scored centuries against the England Lions in a practice match and a four-day fixture in Ahmedabad, could be called up. Mumbai batsman Sarfaraz Khan has always been waiting in the wings, and there is also the option of bringing back Cheteshwar Pujara, who started this Ranji Trophy season with a double century against Jharkhand.
The first Test will begin on January 25 in Hyderabad, with the second starting on February 2 in Visakhapatnam.
