Virat Kohli cites personal reason and pulls out of first two Tests vs England

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli will not be part of the first two Tests vs England. Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam are set to host the first two games of the India vs England series.

The Indian Cricket Board put out a statement regarding this latest move. According to reports, Virat Kohli has spoken to Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid about the move. It is to be seen if the selectors name a replacement for Virat Kohli. 

Just a few days ago the selectors had announced the team for the first two Test matches. With Kohli now unavailable, Team India will have to look at a new number four batter. This move also rids India of the much-needed experience in the middle-order. 

Massive blow for Team India

On Monday it was announced that former India skipper Virat Kohli will not take part in the first two Tests vs England. The first Test is set to be held in Hyderabad with the match taking place on Thursday. A statement from the Indian Board on Twitter read “Virat Kohli withdraws from first two Test against England citing personal reasons”. For now, the selectors haven’t named any replacement for Virat Kohli. 

India’s Cricket Board also released a statement that read “Virat has spoken to captain Rohit Sharma, the team management, 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 also read "The Board respects his decision and the Board and team management have 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."

Virat Kohli had earlier taken some days off ahead of the South African Test series. This was followed by the 35-year-old missing the First T20I vs Afghanistan in Mohali. It will be a cause of concern for the Indian fans with Virat Kohli's off-the-field issues plaguing him. 

The onus will now fall on Rohit Sharma to take the mantle of leading the team from the front. It is to be seen if the selectors decide to bring back Pujara or Rahane for the series. The possibility of India asking KL Rahul to bat at number four cannot be ruled out with the experience needed in the middle-order.