IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli, who had pulled out of the first two Test matches, is currently out of India and his availability for the last three matches against England remains doubtful
India finds itself in a precarious position in the ongoing five-match Test series against England, having suffered defeat in the series opener at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Deprived of the expertise of their seasoned batsman Virat Kohli, who opted out of the initial two Test matches against the English squad due to personal reasons, India succumbed to a 28-run loss. This development spells disappointment for both the team management and ardent followers of Indian cricket, who harbored expectations of Kohli’s prompt return to the fold.
An article published by Cricbuzz has verified Kohli’s absence from the Indian squad. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has urged the media against speculating on the rationale behind Kohli’s non-participation, the aforementioned article refrains from divulging the specific reasons for his unavailability. Nevertheless, it casts doubt on his potential participation in the concluding three Test matches of the series.
BCCI Awaits Communication from Virat Kohli Regarding His Comeback
Previously, a separate media report asserted that the BCCI is yet to receive any communication from Kohli regarding his comeback.
“We have not received any communication from him (Virat Kohli) regarding his return thus far,” disclosed a BCCI official to TOI.
With uncertainties surrounding Kohli’s availability and indications suggesting that all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja might also miss out on the third Test in Rajkot, subsequent to being sidelined in the wake of a hamstring injury sustained during the fourth innings of the Hyderabad Test, India faces a daunting selection dilemma.
Furthermore, the Cricbuzz report contends that Shami continues to grapple with an ankle ailment and is presently undergoing treatment in London. The sole silver lining for the BCCI lies in the probable fitness of KL Rahul, who, despite being sidelined from the second Test due to a quadriceps complaint, appears poised to recover in time for the third Test commencing in Rajkot on February 15.