Why Virat Kohli Is Not Part Of India's Test Squad? BCCI Answers
Virat Kohli will miss last three Tests [X.com]
Virat Kohli's absence from the playing scene will continue through to the end of the five-match Test series against England as the BCCI confirmed on Saturday (February 10) that the great batter remains unavailable.
Kohli, who had taken a leave for the first two Tests in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, will not be available for the following three Tests in Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamshala as well. Cricbuzz reported amidst speculations of him undergoing a paternity break that the legend is currently abroad with his family.
In their earlier statement on the 35-year-old, the BCCI stated that Kohli requested a break because of "personal reasons" and urged the media and the fans not to indulge in rumours while being respectful of the player's privacy in this phase.
Why Kohli Remains Absent From Test Squad?
The Indian board has now confirmed that Kohli requested the management to extend his break, a move that the BCCI said it respects and supports as the player continues to be with his family, including wife and film star Anushka Sharma.
"Virat Kohli will remain unavailable for selection for the remainder of the series due to personal reasons. The Board fully respects and supports Mr. Kohli’s decision," the board said in a statement.
Kohli was initially due to give the Test series against England full priority and reached Hyderabad on the eve of the first Test before being forced to depart amidst concerns back home. Since then, speculations have been rife about his absence even as the player has maintained privacy.
"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 BCCI had said at the time.
Either way, Kohli's absence has been massive for the Indian team and left the middle-order highly brittle and unsettled as the transition phase exposes youngsters against a stiff England side. Without Kohli, India lost the first Test in Hyderabad and just about managed to thwart the visitors in Vizag.
 "Kashish Chadha")
