Virat Kohli has put an end to the rumors by notifying the BCCI and the selection committee that he cannot participate in the last three Tests against England for personal reasons. Although it was previously mentioned that he hadn't communicated with officials about missing the third and fourth games, he finalized his unavailability on Saturday.
Team India’s star batter Virat Kohli ended all speculations, informing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials and the selection committee about his withdrawal from the remaining three Tests against England due to personal reasons. Earlier, it was reported that Kohli, who was set to miss the third and fourth Tests, was yet to contact the BCCI officials, but he did so on Saturday and confirmed his unavailability.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah informed the press that the board and team management completely respect Kohli's decision to step away for personal reasons. He emphasized that the organization is fully supportive of the batsman, who will remain unavailable for the rest of the series.
In a first for his career, Kohli will miss an entire home Test series from start to finish. His absence leaves a huge void in the batting order, which has already been finding it difficult to post big totals and has been surviving on individual efforts. Since the 35-year-old was still abroad, many had already anticipated this outcome.
Shreyas Iyer has been left out of the 17-man squad for the next three Tests. On a brighter note, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja are returning after injury layoffs during the second Test. Rahul has bounced back quickly, and while the team is still waiting on Jadeja's final medical report, the management expects the all-rounder to be ready for the third Test in Rajkot on Thursday, February 15.