Virat earlier withdrew from the first two Tests of the five-match series citing personal reasons and his unavailability in the next two Tests will surely be a concern for Team India.
The third Test match will be played at Rajkot’s Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium from February 15 and the penultimate Test will be hosted by JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi from February 23.
Doubts also persist on Kohli’s availability for the fifth Test in Dharmasala, starting March 6.
The selectors are expected to announce the squad for the remaining three Tests this week.
It is understood that selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar or the BCCI‘s top brass will speak to him to get a clearer picture.
However, Team India can breath a sigh of relief as their ace players KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the second Test in Vizag due to injuries, are expected to be available for the third Test.
The personal reason for which Kohli opted out of the Tests is the impending arrival of his second child, as revealed by his close friend and former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate AB de Villiers on his YouTube channel.
De Villiers said Kohli has done absolutely the right thing by taking a break.
“Yes, his second child is on the way. It’s family time and things are important to him. If you are not true and genuine to yourself, you lose track of what you are here for.
I think most people’s priority is family. You can’t judge Virat for that. Yes, we miss him. But he has made absolutely the right decision,” said De Villiers.
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