Virat Kohli opts out of first two Tests of five-match series against England

In a recent piece of news, former Indian skipper and the modern-day batting great, Virat Kohli withdrew his name from the Indian squad for the first two Tests against England. Notably, the hosts India will take on England in the upcoming five-match Test series, starting with the first Test on January 24, 2024.

Virat Kohli opted out of the first two Tests due to personal, which he communicated with the team management, including captain Rohit Sharma, coach Rahul Dravid and the Indian Cricket Board as well.

“Virat Kohli has requested the Indian Cricket Board to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons,” said the Indian Cricket Board in an official statement.

“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 added further.

Indian Cricket Board to name replacement for Virat Kohli for first two Tests

Virat Kohli was in action for India in the recently concluded three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, where he played in the second and third T20I of the series. It was his comeback in T20I cricket after a long wait of 14 months since he played last time against England in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 in Adelaide.

“The Indian Cricket Board respects his decision and the Board and team management has 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,” read the Indian Cricket Board statement.

In the same line of events, the Indian Cricket Board also mentioned about the possible replacement for Virat Kohli in the first two Tests of the series, which will be named very soon.