Published: Feb 08, 2024, 01:28 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 08, 2024, 01:31 PM (IST)
Is Virat Kohli returning for the remaining three Tests against England? There’s uncertainty, especially for the Rajkot and Ranchi matches, but BCCI officials and selectors remain hopeful. A BCCI official mentioned to The Indian Express that Kohli hasn’t communicated anything yet but will be considered once available.
Kohli missed the first two Tests in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam due to personal reasons. He trained briefly in Hyderabad but withdrew from the Tests on the same day. The exact reason wasn’t disclosed by BCCI, respecting Kohli’s privacy. However, his friend AB de Villiers confirmed that Kohli and Anushka Sharma are expecting their second child.
De Villiers stated, “All I know is he is fine… It’s family time and things are important to him.” While reports suggest Kohli might miss the upcoming Tests, a BCCI official mentioned Kohli hasn’t made a decision yet.
In Kohli’s absence, KL Rahul filled in at No.4 in the first Test, and Shreyas Iyer replaced him in the second due to Rahul’s injury. Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who also missed the last Test, are likely to return for the Rajkot match. The team management faces a decision on whether to persist with Shreyas Iyer or give Rajat Patidar a chance in the middle-order.
