Virat Kohli Out of Next Two Tests Against England Due to Personal Reasons, Possible Return for Jadeja-Rahul

Following his absence from the first two Test matches of the series against England, Virat Kohli will also miss the next two encounters. According to a report by ESPN Cricket Info, the star batter from India will not be playing in the third and fourth Tests, scheduled to be held in Rajkot and Ranchi, respectively.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, who sustained injuries during the first Test, might make a comeback into the team for the third Test. Both players did not feature in the second Test held in Visakhapatnam due to their injuries.

Virat Kohli Takes Break Due to Personal Reasons

According to media reports, Virat Kohli is currently on a break due to personal reasons, speculated to be related to family matters, and it is believed that he is currently abroad. Following the conclusion of the second Test, coach Rahul Dravid mentioned that the team management will contact Kohli to ascertain his availability for the remaining matches of the series.

A few days ago, AB de Villiers also mentioned in a live stream that Kohli is expecting his second child. He stated, “All I know is that he’s fine. He’s spending some time with his family, and that’s why he didn’t play the first two Test matches.”

Jadeja and Rahul Under NCA Supervision

During the fourth day of the Hyderabad Test, Ravindra Jadeja was run out by a direct hit from English captain Ben Stokes, facing difficulties while returning to the pavilion. Following the match, Jadeja underwent a scan for his leg in Hyderabad.

Subsequently, Jadeja is now under the supervision of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, where he is undergoing recovery.

After the first Test, KL Rahul complained of pain in his thigh. He is also at the NCA. The fitness reports for both players are yet to be received. A final decision will be made once the reports are in.

Bumrah May Rest for the Rajkot Test

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah could be rested for the third Test match. In his place, fast bowler Mohammed Siraj may get an opportunity in the third encounter. Bumrah was rested for the second Test, and he might lead the Indian attack in the final two Tests of the series after returning alongside Bumrah for the last two matches.

The Third Test Scheduled to Begin on February 15th

The third Test match between India and England is set to take place at the Rajkot ground starting from February 15th. With the series currently tied at 1-1 after the first two Tests, anticipation runs high for the upcoming encounter. England secured victory in the first Test by 28 runs, while India emerged triumphant in the second match by a margin of 106 runs.