Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has pulled out of the initial two Tests in the upcoming five-match series against England, citing personal reasons, according to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on January 22.
The men’s selection committee is poised to announce Kohli’s replacement for the first two matches. The BCCI underscores that Kohli’s decision stems from personal situations necessitating his full attention. Kohli conveyed his unavailability to skipper Rohit Sharma, the team management, and selectors.
Despite Kohli consistently prioritizing national representation, the BCCI respects his choice, offering support and urging both media and fans to respect his privacy and avoid speculating on the nature of his personal reasons.
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Earlier this month, Kohli withdrew from the first T20 match against Afghanistan on January 11, citing personal reasons. However, he swiftly returned for the second game, contributing a brisk 29 off 16 balls. In the third match, though, he faced dismissal without scoring.
Virat Kohli is gearing up for the birth of his second child and this could be the reason behind his absence from the first two Tests against England.