Regarding Virat Kohli’s availability for the next matches, there were a lot of rumors before India announced their lineup for the final three Test matches against England. Notably, Virat Kohli withdrew, citing personal reasons, from the first two Test matches in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. The star batter’s availability for the series’ final Test in Dharamsala is still unknown, while sources indicate he is also expected to miss the third and fourth Tests.
To choose the team for the final three Test matches against England, the senior selection committee of the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) is expected to convene virtually on Thursday, February 8. Regarding Virat Kohli’s availability for the next matches, there were a lot of rumors before India announced their lineup for the final will not be included in the squad and will be included whenever he verifies his availability, according to a recent revelation from a BCCI official.
“Virat Kohli will determine when he wishes to return to the Indian side.” He hasn’t told us yet, but he will be on the team whenever he chooses to participate, according to a BCCI official who was cited by The Indian Express.
The official went on to say that while serving his country has always come first, there are currently circumstances that require him to be with his family.
Even though serving his country has always come first, there are some personal matters that require his full attention and presence. The top batter has received backing from the board and team management, and the BCCI respects his decision,” he continued.
The great hitter is expecting his second child, according to friend and former South African batsman AB de Villiers, but Virat Kohli and his family have not commented on the cause of his absence from the team.
For the third test, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja are probably available.
In the meantime, players who make the squad are required to report to Rajkot on February 11. Another encouraging development for the Indian squad is that KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who have been sidelined since the third Test, are set to return for the fourth Test, which starts on Thursday, February 15 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot.
Notably, on Day 4 of the first Test in Hyderabad, Rahul reported experiencing soreness in his right quadriceps, while Jadeja had a hamstring ailment. The two reported right away to Bengaluru’s National Cricket Academy (NCA), and they have advanced well since then.