India batter Virat Kohli will miss the first two Test matches against England after withdrawing from the squad for personal reasons.
The former Test captain’s absence comes as a major blow for India ahead of the series opener that gets underway in Hyderabad on Thursday.
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A BCCI statement read: “Virat has spoken to captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasised that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention.”
It is the second time in recent weeks that Kohli has been forced to pull back from India selection having missed the first T20I against Afghanistan citing the same reason.
🚨 NEWS 🚨
Virat Kohli withdraws from first two Tests against England citing personal reasons.
Details 🔽 #TEAMINDIA | #INDVENGHTTPS://T.CO/Q1YFOCZWWJ
— BCCI (@BCCI) JANUARY 22, 2024
India have yet to name a replacement but there are plenty of candidates in form.
Cheteshwar Pujara played in last year’s World Test Championship final and has been in the runs in the Ranji Trophy, including a double hundred against Jharkhand.
Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan both impressed for India A against England Lions while Abhimanyu Easwaran was reserve opener for the recent tour to South Arica.
