Virat Kohli's absence in the ongoing India vs England Test series is likely to be prolonged, with the senior Indian batter anticipated to be unavailable for the third and fourth Tests in Rajkot and Ranchi, respectively, according to a report. There are also uncertainties surrounding Kohli's participation in the fifth Test in Dharamsala as well, scheduled to commence on March 6, something that selectors will weigh when they meet this week to finalise the India squad for the final three Tests as per an ESPNcricinfo report.
On January 22, just three days before the commencement of the England series, the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) disclosed that Kohli had withdrawn from the first two Tests due to "personal reasons." Kohli had arrived in Hyderabad on the same morning to join the Indian squad but departed later that day.
Pertinent to note, an official announcement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the reason behind Kohli's availability is still pending. The star cricketer, expecting his second child, had this information disclosed earlier by his former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate and South Africa great AB de Villiers during a YouTube live session.
Jadeja And Rahul Expected To Return For Rajkot Test
The report also suggests that Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul are contenders to make a comeback for the Rajkot game, which is scheduled to commence on February 15.
Both Jadeja and Rahul were absent from the second Test due to injuries sustained during the opening game. Jadeja suffered a hamstring injury, while Rahul experienced quadriceps pain, leading to his absence in the second match. The Indian team remains hopeful for the return of at least one of the two players pending fitness clearance. Presently, both players are under observation and receiving treatment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). The Indian selectors are set to hold a meeting this week to finalize India's squad for the last three Test matches.