Indian star batsman Virat Kohli has withdrawn himself from the first two Tests against England citing personal reasons, the Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed on Monday (January 2, 2024).
“Mr. Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons,” BCCI said in a statement.
“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,” the statement said.
“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 statement said.
His replacement will be named soon.
India will face England in five Test match series in the upcoming days.
The first Test will be played on January 25 in Hyderabad.
Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamshala will host the remaining matches of the series.