Report: India’s star batter Virat Kohli set to miss remaining Tests vs England

India’s star cricketer, Virat Kohli, has pulled out of the last three Test matches of the five-game series against England. Notably, sources have revealed that on the day the selectors gathered virtually to pick the team for the Test matches in Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamshala, respectively, the 35-year-old cricketer notified the Indian Cricket Board of his availability. Meanwhile, there has been no official update from the board or the star batter so far.

However, just a month ago, the Indian Cricket Board revealed that Virat Kohli had opted out of the first two Test matches, citing personal reasons. The board further expressed the concerns, requested Virat Kohli’s privacy, and said not to speculate on the reasons for his absence.

“Mr Virat Kohli has requested the Indian Cricket Board to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons. 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,” read the statement released by the Indian Cricket Board.

Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer’s absence is a big loss for Team India

Meanwhile, sources revealed that Shreyas Iyer has also been ruled out of the remaining three Test matches owing to injuries that he sustained. The middle-order batter got back spam, and he is set to move to NCA to mark his rehab and make a comeback in the national squad. In addition to this, the 29-year-old cricketer has been advised to rest for a few weeks.

“Iyer has informed the Indian team management and the medical staff that his back gets stiff after playing more than 30 balls and he feels pain in his groin while playing forward defence. Post surgery, he is facing this issue for the first time so he has been advised to rest for a few weeks. He will head to NCA later,” according to The Indian Express.