Virat Kohli (AP Photos)
Virat Kohli opted himself out of India’s squad for the first two Test matches against England. Known for drawing large crowds across the country, the spectators present at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad surely missed his presence when Team India took the field against the visiting Englishmen on Day 1 of their opening Test match of the series.
A section of the crowd was even spotted reverberating Kohli’s name, as they expressed their deep fondness for the modern-day batting legend.
A significant section of the crowd at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium chanted “Kohli Kohli” at a time when Team India found itself in the driver’s seat against England on Day 1 of their opening Test match in the city.
The social media page of Bharat Army, Team India’s official fan group, shared a short 15-second video of Kohli’s craze at the venue. The caption reads:
“Hyderabad misses you, King.”
Watch: Virat Kohli craze spotted among Hyderabad crowd
On January 22, i.e., just three days prior to the commencement of the opening Test match between England and hosts India, batting veteran Virat Kohli opted himself out of the first two matches, citing personal reasons.
Meanwhile, on the cricket front, Team India spinners scythed through England’s ‘BazBall’ oriented approach by snapping up their first eight wickets before Tea break.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, England raced to 55-0 in 11.5 overs within the first hour of the day. However, Ravichandran Ashwin’s twin strikes signaled India’s fightback, and he was further assisted by spin mates Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel.
 "Aakash Saini")
