After missing out on the first two Tests of the five-match series in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam due to personal reasons, talismanic batter Virat Kohli is set to extend his break from international cricket as he is likely to miss the third and fourth Tests against England as well, which will be played in Rajkot and Ranchi, respectively. As per an ESPNCricinfo report, his availability for the fifth Test is still uncertain.
Kohli withdrew from the first two Tests of the five-match home series against England due to personal reasons, a decision acknowledged by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
While awaiting official confirmation regarding Kohli’s return to the Indian squad, reports indicate that he is currently overseas.
Initially, there were widespread speculations regarding the reason for Kohli’s absence, with rumours circulating about his mother’s health. However, Kohli’s brother, Vikas Kohli, quashed those rumours, stating that their mother is in good health.
Adding another layer to the situation, former South African cricketer and Kohli’s close friend, AB de Villiers, revealed during a YouTube live session that Kohli and Anushka are expecting their second child. Despite this revelation, both Kohli and Sharma have chosen not to comment on the matter publicly.
The uncertainty surrounding Kohli’s return deepens as neither the BCCI nor the former India captain has provided any official update. Recently, head coach Rahul Dravid stated that he is unaware of Kohli’s availability and that the selectors will consult him before making a decision on including Kohli in the squad for the remaining three Tests against England. The announcement of the squad for the last three Tests is expected in the coming days.
With the third Test in Rajkot scheduled to start on Feb 15, Mohammed Siraj, who was rested for the second Test due to workload management, is set to return. However, updates are still awaited regarding the availability of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, both of whom missed the Vizag Test due to injuries.