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The Rohit Sharma-led Team India will resume the five-match Test series from Thursday, February 15 after a ten-day gap between the second and third Test against England. While the visitors clinched the opening Test of the series in Hyderabad, the hosts bounced back in style, registering a comeback victory by 106 runs to level the series 1-1.
But as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still to make the announcement in regard to the squad for the remaining three Tests, in a big news, former India captain Virat Kohli has reportedly withdrawn from the remainder of the series. As per reports citing The Indian Express, Kohli has informed the BCCI and the national selection committee of his decision.
The veteran Indian batter 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. It is to be noted that Kohli had withdrawn from the opening two Tests, citing “personal reasons”. BCCI in its press release had confirmed Kohli’s withdrawal, respecting his decision while extending support during these times.
“The BCCI respects his decision, and the Board and team management has extended its support to the tar batter and is confident in the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series,” BCCI Secretary Jay Shah was quoted in the release ahead of the start of the series.
Shreyas Iyer ruled out with injury; Akash Deep earns maiden call-up: Reports
As reported by The Indian Express, Indian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer is likely to miss remaining three Tests against England after he complained of stiff back and groin pain. A close source was quoted by the Indian Express as saying, “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.”
Moreover, reports further reveal that the selection committee has decided to pick Bengal pacer Akash Deep in the squad for the remaining Tests in place of Avesh Khan, who will join the Madhya Pradesh side for the Ranji Trophy.
