As the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) inch closer to announcing the squad for the remaining three Tests against England, there remains a spotlight on Virat Kohli‘s return. Virat pulled out of the series just days before the start of the first Test in Hyderabad and hasn’t yet confirmed when he intends to be available for selection. Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul also missed the second Test against England due to injuries but could make a comeback ahead of the third Test.
As per a report in the Indian Express, Virat hasn’t communicated to the BCCI the date of his return. But, the selectors would draft him into the squad as soon as he makes himself available.
“Virat will decide when he wants to make a comeback to the Indian side. He hasn’t informed us till now but whenever he decides to play, he will be included in the team,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying in the report.
“While representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention. The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management has extended its support to the star batter,” the BCCI had said in a statement after Kohli pulled out of the first two Tests against England.
It isn’t yet clear what the personal emergency is that has kept Kohli away from the cricket field. But, his former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate AB de Villiers did confirm that the India cricketer and his wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their second child soon.
While there were little doubts over Rahul’s return, Jadeja has reportedly made a strong impression with his quick recovery, and signs are that he could be ready to return ahead of the third Test. As for Jasprit Bumrah, the decision to take rest from one of the three remaining matches, or not, remains in his own hands.
The players that the BCCI will pick for the remaining Tests will reportedly have to report by February 11.
