3 players who can replace Virat Kohli in India playing XI for first two tests against England

Virat Kohli will miss the first two tests for India against England due to personal reasons.

In a major setback to Indian side ahead of the upcoming five-match test series against England, star Indian batter Virat Kohli has opted out of the first two test matches due to some personal reasons. Virat Kohli has not revealed the reason behind his absence but he informed Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and team management about missing the first two test matches against England in Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam.

Virat Kohli’s sudden decision has left Indian team in a dilemma. Due to Kohli’s absence, there will be competition for a slot to be filled in the Indian batting-order. There are a few names in the squad who will be aiming at the spot in the test side. This will also prompt Indian team management to tweak their plans a little for the first battle in Hyderabad.

Let’s have a look at the three possible replacements for Virat Kohli in India’s playing XI against England.

1. Shreyas Iyer:

Shreyas Iyer’s place is certain in India’s playing XI for the first test match in Hyderabad. With Virat Kohli moving out for the first two test matches against England, Shreyas Iyer might be given Virat Kohli’s number four spot in the batting-order. Iyer has been a magnificent performer for India on rank turners. Iyer has batted at number five position for Indian and he might get his first attempt at the fourth position. Iyer has played 12 test matches for India and scored 707 runs so far.

2. KL Rahul :

KL Rahul kept wickets for India in the recently concluded South Africa tour and he was expected to play as a wicket-keeper batter in the five-match test series against England. Virat Kohli’s absence might make him leave the gloves for the first two test matches and play as a middle-order batter for India. After Virat Kohli opting out of the first two tests, Rahul might bat at number four or five.

3. Dhruv Jurel :

Wicket-keeper batter Dhruv Jurel has earned his maiden Indian call-up in the five-match test series against England. Virat Kohli’s absence will lead Indian team management to give the 23-year-old an opportunity to be part of the playing XI as a wicket-keeper. Indian team management might go ahead with Shreyas Iyer or KL Rahul as number four batter in the playing XI and Dhruv Jurel might be inducted as Virat Kohli’s replacement. Dhruv Jurel has played 15 first class games and scored 790 runs in 19 innings so far.

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