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'If A Sportsman Pulls Out..'- Pietersen Takes Firm Stand In Virat Kohli's Test Withdrawal

Akshita Patel

image-lrq15j81Virat Kohli (X.com)

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has backed Virat Kohli and urged fans to show respect amid a drama caused after the batter pulled out from the first two Tests of the upcoming five-game series against England. 

Virat Kohli, the backbone of the Indian batting unit and one of the country's biggest sporting superstars, is currently witnessing turmoil in his personal life. 

This past couple of months, Kohli flew home back and forth amid a hectic international cricket schedule to attend to urgent family matters.

He initially missed the intra-squad game in South Africa but featured in the Tests series. Subsequently, Kohli missed the first T20I against Afghanistan, citing personal reasons.

Meanwhile, in a sudden turn of events, three days before the commencement of the five-game Test series against England, Virat Kohli withdrew from the first two games, citing unavoidable personal reasons that require his undivided attention. 

Reportedly, Kohli had a detailed conversation with skipper Rohit Sharma about the issue he is facing in his personal life. Kohli explained that playing for India has always been his top priority in life. But the current circumstances require him to stay out for the moment.

BCCI released an official statement confirming the same and urged fans to respect the cricketers' privacy and not indulge in any kind of wild speculation. 

Meanwhile, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen weighed his thoughts on the entire situation and indirectly backed Virat Kohli. In a short tweet, Pietersen wrote that if a sportsperson withdraws for personal reasons, there is no need to debate about it. The fans must respect the player and leave him alone.

Notably, Harry Brook of the English cricket team also opted out of the series, citing personal reasons, and flew back home. Moreover, he is not expected to return as the ECB named Dan Lawerence as a replacement. On the other hand, the BCCI continues to contemplate a replacement.

India will take on England for the series opener on Thursday at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.