India will be without Virat Kohli for the first two Test matches against England. The batting great has asked for a leave of absence, citing personal reasons
India's five-match Test series against visiting England starts Thursday with the first match in Hyderabad. On Monday, the hosts were dealt with a massive blow -- former captain Virat Kohli will miss the first two matches of the pivotal ICC World Test Championship engagements. (IND Vs ENG 2024 Guide | More Cricket News)
Confirming the withdrawal, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement saying that the 35-year-old has "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."
Already a legend of the game, Kohli is known for his love for the game, especially the traditional format. But this is the second time in recent weeks that the batting great has opted out, citing 'personal reasons'. He had previously missed chunks of the Afghanistan home series and India's tour of South Africa 2023-24.
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The news sent shockwaves, expectedly considering Kohli's stature, as fans and pundits try to grapple with the reality. The BCCI, meanwhile, without revealing the details, has requested "the media and fans to respect Virat Kohli's privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons."
According to reports, Virat Kohli reached Hyderabad on Sunday but did not attend India's optional training session on Monday.
"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," wrote celebrated commentator Harsha Bhogle in a social media post. "So let us wish Virat Kohli well, hope this phase passes and that he returns happier."
After making his Test in 2011, Kohli has so far scored 8848 runs in 113 matches (191 innings) and hit 29 centuries. He was part of India's last Test series -- 1-1 draw in South Africa. Kohli is expected to be available for the remainder of the India vs England series.
India vs England, 1st Test from January 25 to 29 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad;
India vs England, 2nd Test from February 2 to 6 at YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam;
India vs England, 3rd Test from February 15 to 19 at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot;
India vs England, 4th Test from February 23 to 27 at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi;
India vs England, 5th Test from March 7 to 11 at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala.