Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli will be missing the first two Test matches against England due to personal reasons. The exact reason behind his decision is yet unknown. The first Test starts in Hyderabad on January 25. 

There have been already a lot of speculations regarding Virat Kohli withdrawing from the first two Tests. Indian cricket fans have been divided into two halves. While one half sympathizes with Kohli’s decision there is another section that is taking digs at the former Indian skipper. 

Kohli’s decision to miss the first two Tests has derived reactions from almost every former Indian cricketer who is currently following the team. Harsha Bhogle is the latest to join the bandwagon. Bhogle known as “The Voice of Indian Cricket” has asked fans to come out in support of the former Indian skipper and pray for him in this moment of crisis in his life.

“If someone who is such an avid supporter of test cricket and so passionately loves playing for India chooses to miss two games, it must be a deeply compelling reason. So let us wish Virat Kohli well, hope this phase passes and that he returns happier” wrote Bhogle in his tweet. 

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Harsha Bhogle Comes Out In Support Of Virat Kohli

If someone who is such an avid supporter of test cricket and so passionately loves playing for India chooses to miss two games, it must be a deeply compelling reason. So let us wish Virat Kohli well, hope this phase passes and that he returns happier.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 22, 2024

Kohli has been very vocal about his love for Test cricket. His sudden decision to skip the first two Tests has taken everyone by surprise. The former Indian skipper earlier missed the first T20I against Afghanistan due to personal reasons as well. he was back to play the last two games. 

The BCCI has released a statement on Kohli withdrawing from the first two Test matches. It said that Kohli informed the board and the skipper Rohit Sharma about his decision. The board also requested the Indian fans to not criticize Kohl’s decision. 

“Virat has spoken to Captain Rohit Sharma, the team management, and the selectors and has emphasized that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention,” BCCI said in a statement.

“The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management has extended its support to the star batter and is confident in the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series. “The BCCI requests the media and fans to respect Virat Kohli’s privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons” the BCCI statement further read. 

BCCI has yet to name a replacement for Kohli. It is unlikely that they will look towards the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane who did not have a good start to the Ranji Trophy season. Meanwhile, Aakash Chopra has suggested Devdutt Padikkal and Sai Sudharsan as possible replacement options for Kohli. 

England will play 5 Test matches against India. The first match of the series will be played in Hyderabad on January 25, 2024. The second match will be held in Vizag on February 2. Rajkot will host the third match of the series on February 15. The fourth match will start on February 23 in Ranchi. The fifth and final match of the Test series will be held in Dharamsala on March 7, 2024.

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