Virat Kohli to miss 3rd and 4th Test matches against England

India’s star batter, Virat Kohli is expected to miss the third and fourth Tests in Rajkot and Ranchi, respectively, extending his absence from the England series. The selectors will take into account Kohli’s availability for the upcoming fifth Test in Dharmasala, which begins on March 6, when they meet this week to choose the India team for the remaining three Tests.

Previously before the 5-match Test series started, Kohli requested for two matches leave after talking to the selectors and captain Rohit Sharma. He went to Hyderabad for the Test match, however, had to return immediately due to some personal issues. The selectors haven’t released any official statement on the same.

As the 3rd Test is set to start on February 15, the selectors are expected to meet within this week to announce the team’s squad for the last three Tests. Moreover, it will interesting to see the changes made by the selection committee as a lot of players are set to miss the Test matches.

Mohammed Siraj to return in 3rd Test

The fast bowler, Mohammed Siraj, was rested for the second Test due to workload concerns after bowling 11 overs in the first Test loss at his home venue of Hyderabad. He will, nevertheless, be back against England in the third Test. The bowling lineup, which depended on Jasprit Bumrah’s skill to win the second Test, will benefit from Siraj’s comeback.

Furthermore, Jasprit Bumrah’s absence may be even more upsetting news for India. Beginning with the World Cup last year, Bumrah, the only bowler in the world to have ever ranked first in all forms, recovered from a stress fracture in his back. The team management will take into account how he manages his workload, but he is expected to play in the Rajkot Test on Thursday.