Virat Kohli Takes Break from First Two Tests Against England for Personal Reasons

The five-match Test series between India and England is set to commence on January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad. Virat Kohli pulling out of the first two Test matches of the series is a huge blow for team India. The Indian cricket team stalwart has withdrawn from the first two Tests against England over ‘personal reasons’, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a statement on Monday. While the BCCI has not yet announced a replacement for Kohli, it plans to do so in due course. In Kohli’s absence, there will be a huge responsibility on the shoulders of youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, etc. to step up and deliver. The official statement from the BCCI reads, ‘Mr. Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons.’ The statement continues, ‘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.’ India is set to engage in a five-match Test series against England, commencing with the first match in Hyderabad on January 25. The second clash is slated for February 2 in Vizag. Virat Kohli is anticipated to make his return for the remaining three matches.