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 Earlier, Virat had withdrawn from the first two Tests due to personal reasons.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

"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 statement.

After the announcement, Virat Kohli's IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore pointed out that it is the first time in 13 years that a Test series will be played without Virat Kohli.

"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," the post read.

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. #PlayBold #INDvENG #TeamIndia @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/fxOgLIlhWL

South Africa legendary seamer Dale Steyn asserted on Friday that "family is your most important priority" as star India batter Virat Kohli is away from the game as India plays England at home in a five-match series due to personal reasons.

The 40-year-old stated that if Virat is decided to sit back and spend some valuable time with the family then he does not see any problem in that.

"Family is your most