Virat Kohli leaves the India-England series; department of pace changes. The senior national selection committee and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have been notified by former India captain Virat Kohli that he will not be playing in the final three Test matches of the five-game series against England. According to what The Indian Express understands, on Friday, the day selectors convened virtually to determine the team for the Test matches in Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamshala, Kohli notified the BCCI of his availability.
While playing for his country has always been his first priority, Kohli stressed to the Indian captain Rohit Sharma, the team management, and the selectors at the beginning of the series that some personal situations require his presence and undivided attention. “The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management has extended its support to the star batter and is confident in the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated in a later press release.
For the first time in his professional life, Kohli will not be playing in a home series. The selectors had made the decision not to alter the winning lineup too much after India rallied at Vizag to tie the series at one.
Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer would also be absent for the next three Test matches. Iyer has been ruled out due to injury, as reported by this paper, and the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru will continue to track his progress. Iyer had complained of groyne pain and back stiffness while playing forward defence.
In related news, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who were absent from the second Test match in Vizag, have been deemed fit and have rejoined the Indian team. On the fourth day of the Hyderabad Test, Rahul reported experiencing pain in his right quadriceps, while Jadeja suffered a hamstring injury while playing. With them included, Indians will have a far more balanced side.
The argument regarding pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management was also resolved by the selectors. Bumrah would be involved in the vital third Test.
For the final three Test matches, Akash Deep will be the player chosen by the senior selection committee. Avesh Khan has been dropped as a result. Avesh’s selection committee believed he would be better served playing for the Ranji Trophy rather than warming the bench for the Test team. Akash will have the opportunity to groom at the same time. During an unofficial day’s game in Ahmedabad a few days ago, Akash bowled against the England Lions and impressed both the selection committee and Indian captain Rohit.
