IND vs ENG: BCCI Official gives major update on Virat Kohli's availability for remaining Tests

Ahead of India’s squad announcement for the last three Tests against England, there have been widespread speculations around Virat Kohli’s availability for the remaining games. Notably, Kohli had withdrawn from the first two Tests in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam citing personal reasons. However, according to reports, the star batter is also likely to miss the third and fourth Test of the series as well and his participation in the final Test in Dharamsala is still uncertain.

The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) senior selection committee is likely to meet virtually on Thursday, February 08 to announce the squad for the remaining three Tests against England. Recently, a BCCI official revealed that Kohli won’t be included in the squad and will be added whenever he confirms his availability.

Also Read: 'No obligation to tell the world what's happening in your life' - Aakash Chopra on Virat Kohli's absence from England Tests

“Virat will decide when he wants to make a comeback to the Indian side. He hasn’t informed us till now but whenever he decides to play, he will be included in the team,” a BCCI official said as quoted by The Indian Express.

The official further revealed that representing the country has been his top priority but some situation needs his presence with his family at the moment.

“While representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention. The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management has extended its support to the star batter,” he added.

While Kohli and his family has remained silent on the reason behind his absence from the team, his friend and former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers revealed that the star batter is expecting his second child.

Also Read: Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma expecting their second child, confirms AB de Villiers

KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja likely to be available for third Test

Meanwhile, the players who will be selected in the squad have been asked to report in Rajkot on February 11. In another good news for team India, injured players KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to make a comeback in the third Test scheduled to begin from Thursday, February 15 at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot.

Notably, Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during Day 4 of the first Test in Hyderabad while Rahul complained of right quadriceps pain. The duo immediately reported to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and have made good progress since then.