Indian cricket team’s star batter Virat Kohli is slated to miss the upcoming third and fourth Tests against England due to personal reasons. Kohli’s absence from the crucial matches comes amidst his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma’s pregnancy.
Virat Kohli might return ahead of the fifth Test
The decision for Kohli to step away from the Test series was confirmed by a BCCI official to a sports magazine, citing the need for the cricketer to be with his family during this significant phase of their lives.
Notably, Kohli opted out of the first two Tests of the ongoing five-match series due to the same reason.
“Kohli will be unavailable for the next two matches as well,” stated the official. “He might join the team for the fifth Test in Dharamshala.”
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The final Test to be played in Dharamsala
Following their defeat in the series opener at Hyderabad, India staged a resurgence in Visakhapatnam, thereby equallizing the five-Test series at 1-1. The next two Tests are scheduled to take place in Rajkot and Ranchi from February 15 and February 23 respectively, leading up to the final Test in Dharamshala, beginning on March 7.
Kohli’s absence from the Test squad is a notable blow to the Indian team, given his stature as a prolific batter and a remarkable fielder.
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The former Indian skipper’s decision to prioritize his family commitments underscores the importance of personal life balance even amidst the demands of professional cricket. Kohli and Anushka are proud parents of a baby girl Vamika, and the power couple is eagerly awaiting the arrival of their second child.