Who Will Replace Virat Kohli In India Squad For First Two Tests Against England? Report Says…

Virat Kohli has pulled out of the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons which “demand his presence and undivided attention”, the BCCI said.

• Press Trust of India
• Updated: January 22, 2024 07:16 PM IST

Read Time: 3 min

File photo of Indian cricket team star Virat Kohli© AFP

India’s batting mainstay Virat Kohli has pulled out of the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons which “demand his presence and undivided attention”, the BCCI said on Monday. The BCCI urged the fans and media to refrain from speculating about the exact reason for his forced break before the five-match series begins in Hyderabad on January 25. The Board said it will name a replacement for the star batter soon. “Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a statement.

The BCCI also said that Kohli has discussed his decision with skipper Rohit Sharma and the team management.

The BCCI also said that Kohli has discussed his decision with skipper Rohit Sharma and the team management.

“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,” the release further stated.