Star Indian batter Virat Kohli has pulled out of the first 2 Test matches of the IND vs ENG Series. This will be a huge blow to the India Cricket Team who are slated to go head to head with the Three Lions from 25th January in Hyderabad. The former India skipper has cited personal reasons for pulling out from the series.
This is not a first in recent times, that Kohli has pulled out of matches in an ongoing series. The most recent came in the IND vs AFG series when he didn’t play the first match in Mohali citing personal reasons.
BCCI on Virat Kohli
Mr. Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons.
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 BCCI has requested the fans and the media not to speculate any news on Kohli’s absence and in fact respect his privacy. On the other hand, the BCCI Selection Committee will name a replacement for Kohli in the India squad for the first 2 IND vs ENG Test matches.
It is surely a big blow to the Indian side sans Kohli. But with an able attack in Rohit Sharma‘s Team, India will be able to counter Ben Stokes and Co’s threat.