Major update on Virat Kohli’s return to Indian squad against England

Virat Kohli’s availability for the third Test at Rajkot is likely to be discussed by the Indian Cricket Board and the star batter in the next few days. Virat had taken a break from the first two Test of the series against England. While the reason for the same is not yet confirmed, reports claimed it to be a personal one. India had announced its squad only for the first two Tests. 

In the absence of Virat, Rajat Patidar was picked as a replacement. Given the injury of KL Rahul in the 1st Test, Patidar got to make his Test debut in the 2nd Test. At the end of the 2nd session, the right-handed batter managed to remain unbeaten with a score of 25 to his name. The replacement of Virat has done well in the 2nd Test so far. 

Now that the Indian team is slated to pick the squad for the last three Tests of the series, the Indian Cricket Board has decided to discuss with Virat his availability for the rest of the series. A source close to the Indian Cricket Board has claimed that there would be discussions taking place in the next two or three days between Virat and the officials regarding the same.  

Will Virat Kohli play at Rajkot?

The source claimed that it is not right on the part of the board to ask for Virat’s availability for the first two Tests. The statement added that Virat would be consulted to let the selectors know of his availability for the last three Tests of the series. It was revealed that there would be no pressure on Virat to make a return to the side and added that the RCB batter can continue to have his break if he wishes to. 

“Since he (Virat) is on leave for the first two matches we can’t ask him his availability before that but yes now we have to pick the squad for the rest of the matches. We will certainly seek his availability. However, it’s up to him whether he will play or not,” said the statement.