IND vs ENG: Massive blow for India as Virat Kohli to miss next 2 tests - Reports

Virat Kohli had withdrawn from the first 2 tests against England as well citing personal reasons.

In what can be a major setback for the Indian team, star batter Virat Kohli is likely to miss the upcoming two tests of the ongoing five-match test series against England. Kohli had already withdrawn from the Indian team for the first two tests citing personal reasons.

And now is it more or less confirmed that Virat Kohli will not be playing the third and fourth tests in Rajkot and Ranchi, respectively. As per ESPNCricinfo reports, there is considerable doubt over Kohli playing the fifth test as well, which will be hosted in Dharamshala from March 7.  

Virat Kohli missed the first two tests in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam owing to personal concerns. The former India skipper trained with the rest of the squad in Hyderabad for a day before withdrawing from the first two tests the same day.

The BCCI did not reveal the nature of the personal reason but asked fans and the media to respect Kohli’s choice. The 35-year-old left India shortly after.

Multiple reports circulated about the likely reasons for Virat Kohli’s absence, but only former South African batsman and long-time friend, AB de Villiers provided concrete information. The former South African and RCB player said that Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their second child.

Mohammed Siraj and KL Rahul set to return to the Indian team; Ravindra Jadeja in running as well for the Rajkot test

Mohammed Siraj, who missed the second test due to a precautionary rest, is likely to return in the squad for the remaining of the series. The fitness of KL Rahul, who missed the first test due to a quad strain, and Ravindra Jadeja, who had a hamstring injury, is being checked at the NCA in Bengaluru currently.

As per the ESPNCricinfo reports, the final report from the NCA physio is still awaited, but the outlook for both players is positive. India are optimistic that at least one (if not both) of Rahul and Jadeja will be available for the Rajkot test, subject to fitness clearance.

Siraj had gone wicketless in the first test at his home in Hyderabad and was rested from the Vizag test. But with the Indian team management focusing on workload and lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah having done the bulk of the work, Siraj could replace Bumrah in the India playing XI for the Rajkot test. Rajkot is a venue where spinners rule and Siraj could be the only pacer picked in the XI.  

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