Reports: Virat Kohli to remain unavailable for third and fourth Tests against England

Star India batter Virat Kohli is likely to extend his break from international cricket as he’s set to miss the third and fourth Tests against England as well. Notably, Kohli had withdrawn from the first two Tests of the series in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam due to personal reasons.

However, according to reports, he’s expected to miss the third and fourth Tests as well to be held in Rajkot and Ranchi and his availability for the fifth Test is still uncertain. The star batter had flown to Hyderabad to join the India squad on January 21 but flew out the same day.

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There were widespread speculations on the possible reason behind Kohli’s absence as news about his mother being unwell began spreading. However, the rumours were put to rest by his brother Vikas Kohli who revealed that their mother is fine.

To add another twist in the tale, former South Africa batter and Kohli’s close friend AB de Villiers, revealed on his YouTube live session that the star India batter is expecting his second child. However, both Kohli and his Bollywood actor wife Anushka Sharma have remained silent on the development and are yet to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, apart from him, as per an ESPNcricinfo report, injured players KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja have shown good progress during rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. A final report from the NCA physio is still awaited on the duo and at least one of them is likely to be available for the third Test beginning from February 15 at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot.

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Mohammed Siraj to mark his return

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj will also be added to the squad for the third Test after being released from the team ahead of the second game in Visakhapatnam to manage his workload. Siraj’s return will be a big boost for the team as his replacement Mukesh Kumar struggled throughout the second Test and could only pick one wicket giving away 70 runs from 12 overs.