Virat Kohli opted out of the first two matches citing ‘personal reasons’ and with the series tied at 1-1 at the moment, there were speculations regarding his possible return. Following India’s win in the second Test, Rahul Dravid was asked by reporters about Virat Kohli‘s situation and he said that the selectors were the best people to ask the question. However, he added that the team selection will take place in the next few days and the team management will get in touch with the star batter in order to decide the future course of action.
With the team selection set to take place for the third and fourth test against England is set to take place on Friday , there are news hovering round from the media sources that Virat Kohli will remain opted out from the Indian squad for the third and fourth test match and his return to the last test also seems doubtful which underlines the fact that India without the services of ace batter Virat Kohli, India has to play the entire series vs England.
India dismissed England for 292 runs in their second innings on day four to register a series-levelling 106-run win in the second Test. Resuming at 194 for six, England lost the remaining four wickets in the post-lunch session to be bowled out in 69.2 overs as India levelled the five-match series 1-1. India had scored 396 and 255 in their two innings, while England were dismissed for 253 in their first essay. India had lost the opening Test by 28 runs in Hyderabad.
With the series poised even 1-1 heading to Rajkot, it is evident that post Virat Kohli’s return India’s fragile middle order will be bolstered but now it seems they have to be content with the news that Kl Rahul is available for the next three tests and Ravindra Jadeja for atleast last 2 test matches of the series.
News around Virat Kohli’s sudden long absence
India batter Virat Kohli is poised to extend his absence from cricket, with indications suggesting he will miss the forthcoming third and fourth Tests against England in Rajkot and Ranchi, respectively, says a report. Kohli’s availability for the fifth Test in Dharamsala, commencing on March 6, a pivotal factor under consideration as selectors convene to finalize India’s squad for the remaining fixtures as there is no response from Kohli, according to ESPNCricinfo.
Kohli’s unexpected withdrawal from the initial two Tests, announced by the BCCI on January 22 citing “personal reasons,” continues to raise eyebrows and speculation among cricket aficionados. Despite his brief rendezvous with the squad in Hyderabad before swiftly departing, the BCCI has remained mum on further elaboration, emphasizing Kohli’s personal commitments warranting his undivided attention.
Many speculations about his personal reason has been hovering around the best being that Virat is soon to be a father the second time . However as nothing is confirmed from Virat Kohli as yet the actual reason for his absence especially in this marquee series remains a mystery.
Former England cricketer now commentator Naseer Hussain however has come in all support of Virat Kohli and his commitments towards his personal life.
Virat Kohli’s private life has to come first- Nasser Hussain
Former England captain Nasser Hussain believes that Virat Kohli’s absence from the upcoming two Tests will be a huge loss for India in the five-match Test series.
The comments came amid reports that Kohli will miss out on the third and fourth Tests in Rajkot and Ranchi as well, after missing the first two Tests due to personal reasons.
Hussain, however, has backed Kohli to prioritise his private life after playing continuous cricket for more than 15 years. Meanwhile, he backed star wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul to return to the side and deliver with the bat for the hosts in Kohli’s absence.
On Wednesday (February 7), Nasser Hussain told Sky Sports:
“But Kohli and his family and his private life has to come first, so it’s a blow for India, but as we’ve seen, they’ve got a lot of very good young batters. “But KL Rahul, who was injured for the last game, played brilliantly in the last few months for India and in all formats. I think he’ll come back in, so he’ll add to their batting,”
Hussain continued:
“It will be a blow for India, blow for the series, blow for World Cricket. It’s gonna be a special series, already has been the first two games have been fascinating, and make no mistake, Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batters to ever play the game and any series, and any side would miss someone of that stature,”
No mouth watering Anderson- Kohli clash this series -exclaims Naseer Hussain.
Nasser Hussain further pointed out that fans will miss out on the riveting battle between Virat Kohli and England’s ace pacer, James Anderson. The latter has dismissed Kohli seven times in Tests. Kohli, though, has scored 305 runs at an average of 43.6 against the speedster.
Hussain said:
“First things first, the game needs to look after the likes of Virat Kohli as well. He’s been playing international cricket for more than 15 years now, and if he needs a break to be away with family, just some time away from the game, absolutely we wish Virat Kohli all the best,”
“It means we don’t have the mouth-watering possibility of an Anderson and Kohli contest like we’ve seen over the years. So, be it,”
The 55-year-old further pointed out that several Indian batters, including captain Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and KS Bharat, have fallen prey to soft dismissals in the first two Tests against England. Hussain added that Kohli never throws his wicket away. The cricketer-turned-commentator said:
“There have been some soft dismissals in that Indian batting lineup, and it has left him vulnerable at times. One thing Kohli is with batting is ruthless. He doesn’t do soft dismissals. He’s driven by getting runs and winning games. So, they’ll miss that. Any side would miss the class of Virat Kohli,”
Kohli averages 42.36 against England, having scored 1991 runs in 28 Tests, with the help of five tons and nine half-centuries. With Kohli’s pivotal role in the lineup temporarily vacated, the spotlight now shifts to potential replacements and reinforcements for the upcoming Tests.
Among players who missed the second Test, Mohammed Siraj is poised for a comeback after a strategic rest period, while the fitness assessments of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, recuperating from respective quad and hamstring injuries, are underway at the NCA in Bangalore.
Though awaiting final evaluations, India remains optimistic about their potential availability for the looming challenges, pending medical clearance.
Rahul and Jadeja’s noteworthy contributions in the opening Test underscore their significance to India’s batting and bowling arsenals, respectively. Rahul’s poised return promises to bolster the middle order, while Siraj’s reintegration fortifies the pace attack, complementing the brilliance of stalwart Jasprit Bumrah, whose recent resurgence from injury adds another dimension to India’s bowling prowess.
As the series unfolds, India aims to maintain momentum following their comeback victory in Vizag, leveling the five-Test encounter at 1-1. With back-to-back Tests looming in Rajkot and Ranchi before culminating in the series finale in Dharamsala, India will navigate the challenge of balancing player workload and strategic selections in pursuit of clinching the series triumph.