Virat Kohli fans and enthusiasts of Test cricket received disheartening news on Saturday morning as the renowned Indian batsman would be absent for the rest of the Test series against England.
The uncertainty surrounding Virat Kohli’s participation in the remaining three Tests against England has finally been put to rest by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). The squad announcement for the upcoming matches on Saturday, February 10, confirmed that Kohli would be absent due to personal reasons. The BCCI emphasized their respect for his decision.
This marks a significant moment in Kohli’s illustrious Test career, spanning over 12 years, as it will be the first instance where the former Indian captain will be missing an entire Test series. Worth noting is Kohli’s Test debut against West Indies in Kingston in June 2011.
Virat Kohli communicated about personal matters to Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and the team management as the reason for his absence in the initial two matches. The BCCI officially addressed this in a press release before the series commenced.
And now as the BCCI announced India’s squad for the remaining 3 matches, they stated, “Virat Kohli will remain unavailable for selection for the remainder of the series due to personal reasons. The Board fully respects and supports Mr. Kohli’s decision.”
Messages of support flooded in from various sources, with everyone extending their heartfelt wishes to Virat Kohli and his family during this challenging period. It has come to light that the cricketer is currently in London due to a family emergency.
Expressing their sentiments, Kohli’s IPL team, RCB, shared a touching tweet for the ‘KING.’
“The first Test series in 13 years without Virat Kohli. The nation is with you, and your seat remains reserved whenever you’re ready to return, King,” RCB tweeted.
Since notching his maiden century against Australia at Adelaide in January 2012, the 35-year-old has been hailed as one of the premier batters of the modern era in cricket. Across his 113 appearances, Kohli has amassed 8848 runs, boasting an impressive average of 49.15, inclusive of 29 centuries and 30 half-centuries.
As for the ongoing Test series between India and England, the score stands at 1-1 after two matches. The third fixture is slated to commence on February 15 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.
