"Virat Kohli Back To...": Ex-India Star's Big Warning To England Ahead Of Test Series

22.01.2024 - 11:23 sports.ndtv.com

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has warned England regarding the form of star batter Virat Kohli ahead of a five-match Test series, starting January 25.

Irfan feels Kohli is back to his best, having shown great composure during the Test series against South Africa recently. The former India captain fought a lone battle in the first Test in December 2023, but the visitors lost the game by a hefty margin.

He also scored a 46 on a trick pitch in the second Test which ended inside two days in Cape Town. Irfan pointed out that Kohli's improved footwork and aggressive mindset might help him to score a lot of runs against England. "Virat Kohli is back at his very best, this is good news for Indian cricket and Virat Kohli fans.

He was exceptional in South Africa and his foot movement was brilliant. He is showing aggressive signs with his footwork and that might help him score runs in England series," Irfan said on Star Sports.

cricket India Cricket Team England Cricket Team 2024 Test Virat Kohli Star Sports Irfan Pathan Shoaib Akhtar South Africa India Pakistan

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra does not think that star batter Virat Kohli's absence will cost India the ongoing home series against England, pointing out that India also registered an iconic series win in Australia back in 2020-21 without their superstar batter playing three of four Tests. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the remaining three Tests of the five-match series against England, with star batter Virat Kohli set to miss the remaining matches as well due to personal reasons. Virat had earlier missed the first two Tests. Now, his absence is extended to three more games. His last appearance came in the T20I series against Afghanistan earlier in January.

First Time In 13 Years! Virat Kohli's Absence From England Series Creates An Old Void

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 Earlier, Virat had withdrawn from the first two Tests due to personal reasons.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.

BCCI's Big Statement On 'Virat Kohli's Decision' To Skip Last 3 Tests vs England

Virat Kohli has made himself unavailable for the remainder of the Test series against England, citing personal reasons. Kohli had also missed the first two Tests due to the same reason. Apart from Kohli, Shreyas Iyer will also take no part in the remaining Tests in Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamsala, respectively. Meanwhile, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja returned to the team, but their participation will depend on the BCCI's medical team's fitness clearance. On Kohli's decision to remain unavailable for the remaining Tests, the BCCI said that they "respect and support" the former captain's decision.

Virat Kohli's Absence Extended, Set To Miss Remaining Tests vs England: Report

Star India batter Virat Kohli has withdrawn his name from the remaining three Tests of the five game series against England. According to a report in the Indian Express, Kohli informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his availability on Friday, the day the selectors met in an online meeting to decide the squad for the Tests at Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamshala, respectively. Kohli had earlier withdrawn from the first two Tests, citing personal reasons.

India Squad For Last 3 Tests vs England Live: BCCI Tightlipped On Virat Kohli's Availability; Star Batter Doubtful For Rajkot Test

India vs England Test Squad Announcement Live Updates: As per a latest update, Indian cricket team batter Shreyas Iyer could miss the Rajkot Test match against England. Iyer reportedly complained of stiffness in his back and pain in his groin area while batting. Meanwhile, the selectors seem to be in no rush to announce the squad as they are reportedly waiting for the final fitness reports of KL Rahul and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Virat Kohli's participation remains a doubt while Jasprit Bumrah is likely to play, despite reports suggesting that he might be rested.

"Not Saying This In Arrogance But...": Virat Kohli's Old Video Goes Viral After India's Loss Against England

The Indian cricket team's defeat to England in the opening Test of the 5-match series in Hyderabad has triggered the Indian cricketing spectrum, with questions being raised on skipper Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and their leadership. Soon after India lost the series opener in Hyderabad, Virat Kohli started to trend on social media, with fans recalling the former skipper's brilliant stats and the team's dominance under his captaincy. Amid the debate, an old video of Kohli has resurfaced, where he summed up the mindset he and the Indian team approach Test matches with.