According to a recent report by ESPNcricinfo, star Indian batsman Virat Kohli is expected to be absent from the third and fourth matches of the ongoing test series against England in Rajkot and Ranchi respectively. Kohli had previously withdrawn from the first two matches due to personal reasons, and his unavailability for the next two tests could be a cause for concern for the Indian team. The third test is scheduled to take place at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from February 15, while the fourth test will be held at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi from February 23.
There are also doubts surrounding Kohli’s availability for the fifth and final test in Dharmasala, which is set to begin on March 6. The selectors are expected to announce the squad for the remaining three tests sometime this week. It is believed that either selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar or top officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will speak to Kohli to get a better understanding of his situation. However, there is some good news for Team India as star players KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the second test in Vizag due to injuries, are expected to return for the third test.
Kohli had cited personal reasons for his absence from the tests, which was later revealed by his close friend and former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel. De Villiers stated that Kohli’s second child is on the way and family is a top priority for him. He also praised Kohli for making the right decision to take a break and spend time with his family, and emphasized the importance of being true to oneself and one’s priorities. While Kohli’s absence is certainly felt by the team, De Villiers believes that it is completely understandable and that he has made the right choice.
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