File photo of Virat Kohli
India's batting talisman Virat Kohli could be out of the third Test match against England as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors are still unaware of his availability, according to sources. Earlier, BCCI had announced that Kohli had withdrawn from the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons. “Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to withdraw from the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series against England due to personal reasons,” BCCI said in an official statement.
Meanwhile, the country's highest governing body of cricket requested the media and fans to respect Kohli's privacy during this period.
“The BCCI requests the media and fans to respect Virat Kohli's privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons. The focus must remain on supporting the Indian cricket team as they face the upcoming challenges in the Test series. the statement concluded.
Right-handed batsman Rajat Patidar was called up to replace Virat Kohli in India's first two Test matches against England. Patidar made his international debut on December 21 last year against South Africa in the third ODI match, where he opened for the 'Men in Blue' and scored 22 runs from 16 balls at a strike rate of 137.50.
Without Kohli, India conceded a 28-run defeat to England in the first Test match in Hyderabad.
Virat last saw action in the T20I series against Afghanistan last month, where he scored a quickfire 29 and a golden duck in two matches he played.
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