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Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)
Star India batter Virat Kohli's surprising decision to withdraw from the first two Tests against England has left the cricket community in shock. The absence of the batting maestro was notably felt as India succumbed to a 28-run defeat in the opening Test in Hyderabad. Facing a modest 231-run target, Rohit Sharma's team suffered a monumental batting collapse in the second inning.
After Kohli’s withdrawal, Rajat Patidar has been announced as Kohli's replacement for the first two Tests. Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Kohli's sudden leave, a top source within the Indian Cricket Board revealed that they would seek Virat Kohli's availability in the next three days.
The source mentioned that while they couldn't inquire about his availability for the first two matches due to his leave, they would certainly discuss his participation in the upcoming fixtures. However, the decision ultimately rests with Kohli.
“Since he (Virat) is on two-match leave, we couldn't ask for his availability before that, but yes, now that we have to pick the rest of the matches, the squad will certainly seek his availability. However, it's up to him whether he will play or not," says a source.
India is set to announce its squad next week
The source also disclosed that the squad for the third Test, scheduled to be played on February 15 in Rajkot, would be announced on February 7th evening or at the latest by February 8th morning. Meanwhile, reports circulating in the media suggest that Kohli is currently not in India. Despite the speculation, the Indian Cricket Board has urged the media to refrain from making assumptions about the reason behind Kohli's absence.
It's worth noting that Virat Kohli pulled out of the first two Tests, citing personal reasons, just before the series opener. The board released a statement mentioning that Kohli had communicated with captain Rohit Sharma, requesting privacy. However, since then, there has been a notable silence surrounding Kohli's situation.
Rumours initially circulated about his mother's health, but these were debunked by Kohli's elder brother, Vikas Kohli, as 'fake news.' With uncertainty surrounding Kohli's participation and reports suggesting Ravindra Jadeja's potential absence due to a hamstring injury, India faces significant selection challenges as they prepare for the third Test against England in Rajkot.