Published: Feb 14, 2024, 03:31 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 14, 2024, 03:31 PM (IST)
Virat is not included in the current England series due to personal reasons. Before the first Test, the 35-year-old arrived in Hyderabad for the national camp, but things swiftly changed when he made the decision to return home. Since there is currently no information regarding Kohli’s whereabouts, BCCI asked the fans to respect his privacy.
But in the first two Test matches of the series, his absence was felt greatly. Except for the first half in Hyderabad, India’s middle order has not performed well thus far. India is currently scheduled to select an inexperienced middle order for the third Test, which raises eyebrows against a fearless England.
Also Watch:
Team India has a lot of potential despite Virat Kohli missing out on the series
Even if India’s batting lineup is lacking, former England cricketer David Lloyd is optimistic about the team’s potential. The 76-year-old said that India won’t miss Kohli since the younger players have recently shown themselves and have stepped up to the plate for the national squad. He went on to praise Yashasvi Jaiswal, the series’ top run scorer at the moment.
“All of India has been digesting the news that Virat Kohli will not play any part in the series but I don’t think it weakens them too much even if he is one of the greatest players we’ve ever seen,” Lloyd wrote for The Daily Mail.
“Shubman Gill stepped up in the second Test and the Indian batters are all well capable of getting massive scores. The one England have had the most problems with so far is Yashasvi Jaiswal and their challenge therefore is to try to work out a plan to dismiss the series’ leading run scorer,” he added.
Sarfaraz Khan likely to debut in the Third Test against England
Sarfaraz Khan is expected to make his Test debut in the third Test, according to reports. The number five place is now open due to Shreyas Iyer’s slip, and Sarfaraz, who has consistently shown himself in domestic cricket, is expected to acquire it. However, Dhurv Jurel might start in lieu of KS Bharat in the starting lineup.
