Virat Kohli, a top-level batsman, wasn’t in the initial two India vs England series games. He skipped Hyderabad and Vizag matches, citing personal matters. Now, there’s online chatter hinting he might miss the upcoming two Tests too.
The India vs England contests kick back in on February 15, at Rajkot’s Niranjan Shah Stadium. The third Test is between February 15 and 19, while the fourth Test takes the stage in Ranchi from February 23 to 27.
The next two games’ team will shortly be revealed by the BCCI. It seems Virat Kohli might not be playing. Here are three facts explaining why the home team might greatly feel his absence.
1. Shreyas Iyer’s unavailability
The Indian Express suggests Shreyas Iyer might skip the rest of England’s Test series. Known for his steady presence in India’s middle order, Iyer seems to struggle with back trouble. So, he might miss the next play.
Considering Iyer’s rich experience, India’s mid-range batting may see a dip in strength, especially in the upcoming three matches. Virat Kohli, with his stellar record, could have boosted the team, but his family priority seems critical.
2. Virat Kohli’s impressive Test stats at Rajkot
As previously stated, Rajkot will host the third match in the ICC World Test Championship series between India and England next week. Virat Kohli has played two Tests at Rajkot, scoring 228 runs in three innings with an outstanding average of 114.
Back in 2018, at Niranjan Shah Stadium, Kohli secured an impressive 139 from 230 balls in his final Test inning. It paved the way for India’s victory over the West Indies. Additionally, Kohli hit an impressive century on this ground during an IPL fixture. Considering his outstanding track record at Rajkot, it’s no surprise that the Indian team will deeply feel his absence.
3. Virat Kohli’s intensity boosts India’s fielding performance
Although Kohli is no longer the Indian Test captain, his enthusiasm motivates the players around him. While India easily won the second Test, the host side lacked energy in the first Test of the series.
Former England spinner Monty Panesar feels the same way, as he recently told ANI.
“Virat Kohli’s presence and intensity is missing. If Virat was playing the 1st test, he would be in the faces of England players. He would tell them, come on do it again let’s see how good you are.”
Monty Panesar
Turn back to 2016/17, when England nearly beat India in a Rajkot Test. Factoring in an injury to local ace, Ravindra Jadeja, India must now level up to secure a 2-1 lead in the five-match World Test Championship. Now, fans countrywide anticipate the team’s revelation.