"Focus Should Remain...": BCCI On Virat Kohli Opting Out Of First Two Tests Against England

23.01.2024 - 02:49 sports.ndtv.com

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Monday that star batter Virat Kohli has opted out of the first two Test matches against England citing 'personal reasons'.

In an official statement, BCCI said that Kohli had conversations with skipper Rohit Sharma and the team management regarding his absence and extended their support to the cricketer. "Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series against England, citing personal reasons," BCCI said in their official statement. "Virat has spoken to Captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasized that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention," the statement further read.

Kohli missed the first T20I match against Afghanistan due to 'personal reasons' and earlier, he also missed an intra-squad match in South Africa as he had to fly to London.

The BCCI statement also asked the media to refrain from 'speculating on the nature of his personal reasons' and said that Kohli's replacement will be announced in the coming days. "The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management has extended its support to the star batter and is confident in the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series." "The BCCI requests the media and fans to respect Virat Kohli's privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons.

cricket India Cricket Team England Cricket Team India vs England 2024 on focus Virat Kohli Rohit Sharma South Africa India Afghanistan

The Indian cricket squad for the last three Tests against England is out. After much delay, the BCCI named the squad on Saturday. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer have not been picked while KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja are back, but only if they clear the fitness benchmarks ahead of the third Test that starts on February 15. Earlier, Virat had withdrawn from the first two Tests due to personal reasons. Now, with the squad for the final three Tests issued on Saturday morning by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Virat's absence has extended to the entire series.

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Star batter Virat Kohli has pulled out of the remainder of the Test series against England for personal reasons, the BCCI confirmed on Saturday, ending speculation around premier player's availability for the high-profile contest. Kohli had missed the first two Tests and that he could be unavailable for the remaining three matches was reported by PTI on February 3. "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," the BCCI said in a release.

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Indian cricket team batter Shreyas Iyer may end up missing the last three Tests against England in the five-match series due to injury. According to a report by Indian Express, Iyer has complained of stiffness on his back and pain in his groin area while batting and that can lead to the batter not playing the remaining matches. The report further claimed that although the kits of all the India cricketers were sent to Rajkot from Visakhapatnam, Iyer's equipment was sent to his home in Mumbai. The next possible step for Iyer is expected to be a rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru.

"Will Soon Find Out But...": AB de Villiers On Reason Behind Virat Kohli's Test Withdrawal

There continues to remain mystery behind India stalwart Virat Kohli's decision to pull out from the first two Tests against England. Kohli decided to withdraw over 'personal issues' as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) advised against speculation on the matter. AB de Villiers, Kohli's former teamamte at Royal Challengers Banglore and a close friend, admitted that he too doesn't know what reason behind his exit is. But, he plans to find out soon.

Virat Kohli's Replacement For First Two England Tests Announced, Another Star Released

Madhya Pradesh's prolific batter Rajat Patidar was on Thursday named as a replacement for India's batting mainstay Virat Kohli for the first two Tests against England. "Rajat Patidar has joined the team as Virat Kohli's replacement for the first two Tests against England," the BCCI said in the announcement. Kohli had decided to make himself unavailable for the first two Tests of the five-match series due to "personal reasons".

"Hope This Phase Passes...": Harsha Bhogle On Virat Kohli Opting Out Of Two England Tests

Indian cricket team star batter Virat Kohli opted out of the first two Tests in the upcoming five-match series against England starting January 25 citing 'personal reasons'. While no official reason was provided by the cricketer or the BCCI, there have been a lot of speculation on social media and among cricket fans. Even the BCCI urged the media and fans in its official statement to not speculate about the reason behind Kohli's absence and to respect his privacy. Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle took to social media to express his views about Kohli's sudden withdrawal from the two matches and he pointed out that if a passionate cricketer like Kohli decided to opt out of Tests, the reason must be "deeply compelling".