"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".

"If someone who is such an avid supporter of test cricket and so passionately loves playing for India chooses to miss two games, it must be a deeply compelling reason. So let us wish Virat Kohli well, hope this phase passes and that he returns happier." Bhogle posted on X (formerly Twitter).

If someone who is such an avid supporter of test cricket and so passionately loves playing for India chooses to miss two games, it must be a deeply compelling reason. So let us wish Virat Kohli well, hope this phase passes and that he returns happier.

"Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series against England, citing personal reasons," BCCI said.

"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