Virat Kohli Yet to Confirm Availability for 3rd Test as Selectors Likely to Announce Squad Today

The suspense continues over Virat Kohli’s availability for the remaining three matches of the Test series against England. Kohli, who was initially picked in the squad for the first two Test, pulled out three days before the start of the series due to personal reasons.

According to a report on Indian Express, Kohli has yet to confirm his availability for the third Test but the window for his return to the fourth and fifth Tests still remains open.

The BCCI has not announced the squad for the remainder of the series as Kohli didn’t provide an update on his availability till Wednesday evening.

A BCCI official has stated that Kohli will be included in the squad whenever he decides to play.

“Virat will decide when he wants to make a comeback to the Indian side. He hasn’t informed us till now but whenever he decides to play, he will be included in the team,” a BCCI official told Indian Express.

The only word from the BCCI on Kohli came in a media advisory on January 22 where they informed about the former India captain’s withdrawal from the first two Tests in Hyderabad and Vizag respectively.

“Mr Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons.

“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,” read a BCCI statement.

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Meanwhile, KL Rahul, who missed the second Test due to an injury, is expected to return to the squad for the Rajkot Test which will begin on February 15.

Mohammed Siraj, who was rested for the second Test, will return to the squad.

Several reports also suggested that India might rest Bumrah for Rajkot Test to manage his workload but it looks highly unlikely with the series hanging in balance at 1-1 after the first two Test matches.

Ravindra Jadeja is also undergoing rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, he might get included in the squad but is expected to miss the Rajkot Test.