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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday, February 10, named a 17-member squad for the remaining Tests against England. While the availability of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul has been put under the BCCI medical team’s decision, one of the surprises which came was Virat Kohli extending his break.
As per reports citing The Indian Express, Virat Kohli had informed the BCCI about his unavailability on Friday, the day selectors met in an online meeting to decide the squad for the Tests in Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamsala. However, the exact reason of Kohli’s absence remains unknown, Shreyas Iyer has also been ruled out after he complained of stiff back and groin pain.
Seeing Virat’s absence and BCCI requesting privacy amid these times, fans were quick to react and stand in support of the Indian batter. While some prayed for a stronger comeback, a few others claimed that his presence on the field will be missed.
Check out how netizens reacted to Virat Kohli’s absence:
It is to be noted that India will host Ben Stokes-led England in the third Test at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from February 15. Meanwhile the fourth Test is scheduled to kickstart in Ranchi from February 23, 2024 with the fifth and final Test of the series to be played in Dharamsala from March 07, 2024.
India’s squad for last three Tests vs England:
Rohit Sharma (C), Japrit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul*, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), KS Bharat (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.
* KL Rahul & Ravindra Jadeja’s participation is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team.
