Star batsman Virat Kohli has chosen to skip the first two Test matches against England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Monday, citing “personal reasons.”
Star batsman Virat Kohli has chosen to skip the first two Test matches against England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Monday, citing “personal reasons.” The BCCI said in an official statement that Kohli discussed his absence with team management and captain Rohit Sharma, and that they offered their support to the cricket player. “Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series against England, citing personal reasons,” the BCCI stated in an official statement.
“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 statement went on to say.
Kohli was forced to fly to London, thus he missed the first Twenty20 International match against Afghanistan for “personal reasons.” Earlier in the week, he also skipped an intrasquad game in South Africa.
In addition, the BCCI statement requested that the media refrain from “speculating on the nature of his personal reasons” and stated that an announcement regarding Kohli’s replacement will be made in the next few days.
“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.”
“Virat Kohli’s privacy is being respected during this time, and the BCCI asks the media and fans to refrain from making assumptions about the nature of his personal reasons. Supporting the Indian cricket team as they take on the forthcoming obstacles in the Test series should continue to be the major priority, the statement said.
