PremiumIND vs ENG: Virat Kohli withdraws from 1st two Tests, fans confused but BCCI requests to respect his privacy
The BCCI released a statement stating that Virat Kohli had withdrawn from the first two Tests due to personal reasons.
Last Updated: 03.29 PM, Jan 22, 2024
After speculation about Virat Kohli's presence in Ayodhya for the inauguration of the Ram Mandir or reports suggesting his involvement in preparations for the upcoming India vs England Test series in Hyderabad, the new report by BCCI has shocked everyone. The Board released a statement stating that Kohli had withdrawn from the first two Tests due to personal reasons.
According to the BCCI's report, Kohli formally requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India to allow him to withdraw from the initial two Tests of the forthcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England. The report also mentioned that Kohli communicated with skipper Rohit Sharma, the team management, and the selectors, expressing that, "while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention."
The Board reportedly respected Kohli's decision, granting him the requested leave. However, with fans seeking clarity on the reason for his withdrawal, the BCCI urged them to "respect Virat Kohli's privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons. The focus should remain on supporting the Indian cricket team as they embark on the upcoming challenges in the Test series." Currently, no replacement has been named.
Squad for first 2 Tests vs England without Virat Kohli: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan
England's tour of India:
The India vs England Test series will begin on January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. As for the 2nd Test, it will take place in Visakhapatnam, followed by the third Test in Rajkot. The fourth Test is scheduled for Rajkot as well, with the final Test to be held in Dharamsala.
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India will be looking to put on a strong match against the Bazball side and bolster their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) table.