Virat Kohli is likely to sit out of the third Test against England in Rajkot, with the final decision resting on the former captain’s personal choice, according to sources within the BCCI.
India has been without star batter Virat Kohli in the ongoing Test series against England, as he opted out for personal reasons, spending time with his family. While he missed the first two Tests, reports hint at uncertainties about his participation in the third Test scheduled at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot, from February 15 to 19.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to receive information about Kohli’s availability. This development raises questions about Kohli’s role in the remainder of the series, with the final decision resting on the former captain’s personal choice.
“The call will be entirely on Kohli. The board respects his personal space. If he agrees to play any part in the series, then there’s nothing like that. But it will be his call,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
While KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, absent from the second Test, continue their recovery, Jadeja is unlikely to make a series return. On a positive note, there’s optimism about Rahul’s comeback for the third game.
The BCCI source mentioned, “Rahul seems to have been recovering well. There’s a strong chance that he will be back for the third Test match.”
Rajat Patidar replaced Virat Kohli in the first two Tests. In the absence of Kohli, India suffered a 28-run defeat to England in the first Test match in Hyderabad.
Last Updated on February 8, 2024
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