Virat Kohli

1. Virat Kohli withdraws from the ongoing England series for personal reasons.
2. BCCI confirms Kohli’s unavailability for remaining Tests and extends full support.
3. Official statement released on the BCCI website regarding Kohli’s decision.

Sports, Feb 10: Virat Kohli has opted to step down from the ongoing series against England due to personal reasons, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the squad for the last three Tests.

In an official statement released on the BCCI website, it was confirmed that Kohli will not be available for selection for the remainder of the series, with the board extending its full support to the star batsman’s decision.

“Virat Kohli will remain unavailable for selection for the remainder of the series due to personal reasons. The Board fully respects and supports Mr. Kohli’s decision,” read the statement.

Initially, Kohli had withdrawn from the squad for the first two Tests held in Hyderabad and Vizag, with hopes of his return for the final three matches.

However, recent developments indicate his continued absence from the series. Speculations arose following statements by Kohli’s former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate, AB de Villiers, who hinted at Kohli’s expectancy of a second child with Anushka Sharma, though a subsequent reversal was made on February 9.

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Revised Squad:

  • Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul*, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja’s participation is subject to clearance from medical team.

The BCCI further updated KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, indicating their participation will depend on clearance from the medical team.

“The participation of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team,” stated the announcement.

Jadeja had encountered a hamstring injury, while Rahul experienced discomfort in his right quadriceps.

Noteworthy Inclusions: Pacer Akash Deep made a noteworthy addition to the squad, garnering recognition for his performances with the India A side against the England Lions. Notably absent from the lineup was Shreyas Iyer, amidst reports of back stiffness and subpar performances in the preceding Tests.

Upcoming Test: The third Test between India and England is scheduled to commence on February 15 in Rajkot, promising an intense showdown between the two cricketing giants.