BCCI Issues Firm Statement as Virat Kohli Opts Out of Initial England Tests

In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Monday that Virat Kohli, the star batter, has decided to withdraw from the first two Test matches against England due to ‘personal reasons.’ The BCCI, in an official statement, revealed that Kohli had discussions with skipper Rohit Sharma and the team management regarding his absence, and they expressed their support for the cricketer’s decision.

File photo of Indian cricket team star Virat Kohli

The official statement from the BCCI reads, “Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series against England, citing personal reasons.”

It goes on to mention that Kohli, while underscoring his unwavering commitment to representing the country, highlighted specific personal situations demanding his undivided attention. The statement emphasizes that Kohli’s request was made after discussions with Captain Rohit Sharma, the team management, and the selectors.

Notably, Kohli had previously missed the first T20I against Afghanistan citing ‘personal reasons,’ and he also skipped an intra-squad match in South Africa, opting to fly to London.

Addressing media speculation, the BCCI statement urged refraining from making assumptions about the nature of Kohli’s personal reasons. It announced that the replacement for Kohli would be disclosed in the coming days.

“The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management have extended their support to the star batter, expressing confidence in the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series.”

Furthermore, the statement requested both the media and fans to respect Virat Kohli’s privacy during this period and urged them to focus on supporting the Indian cricket team as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in the Test series.

In light of this development, Kohli’s absence from the initial Tests adds an element of intrigue to the series, and the BCCI’s call for privacy underscores the importance of respecting the personal nature of his decision.