Arsenal's season finale against Everton on Sunday could be a moment to cherish
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced that India's batting talisman Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons.
"Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series against England, citing personal reasons," BCCI said in an official statement.
BCCI said that they will announce Kohli's replacement soon.
Kohli has spoken to India captain Rohit Sharma, team management and the selectors about "certain personal situations that demand his presence and undivided attention" while emphasising that national duty has always been his top priority.
"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 further read.
"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.
Meanwhile, the cricket's governing body in the country have requested the media and fans to respect Kohli's privacy during this time.
"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 focus should remain on supporting the Indian cricket team as they embark on the upcoming challenges in the Test series," the statement concluded.
India are set to play a five-match Test series, the first of which will be held in Hyderabad on January 25. The second match of the series will be played on February 2 in Vizag. The fifth and final test will be held in Dharamshala and the series will conclude on March 11.
ALSO READ:
Arsenal's season finale against Everton on Sunday could be a moment to cherish
The Serb blamed Friday's incident when he was accidentally struck on the head by a fan's water bottle while signing autographs
Jamie Camero tops the Ladies Division and hopes to do the same in her biology A-level exam on Monday
The knockout king joined an elite group of fighters on that mark with only Charles Oliveira (20), Jim Miller (18) and Donald Cerrone (16) having scored more finishes
Dual Olympic gold medalist stays with his plan to overwhelm the Greek-born local favourite in the 11th round
The 34-year-old American seeks his sixth career major crown next week at Valhalla
Spinner Varun Chakravarthy stars as the Knight Riders booked the coveted spot with am18-run win over the former five-time champions in a rain-reduced match at Eden Gardens
Star India and Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter on cusp completing a century of centuries in professional cricket