Hyderabad crowd went berserk with Virat Kohli chants during the first Test between India and England at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on December 25. Despite not playing in the first Test, the former captain received abundant support from Hyderabad crowd.
Virat Kohli opted out of the India Test squad for the initial two Test matches against England, citing personal reasons. The BCCI had conveyed that Kohli discussed his decision with the team management and skipper Rohit Sharma before making the call.
The 35-year-old batting maestro consistently enjoys the adoration of the crowd, whether playing in India or abroad. Spectators consistently express their love and support for the star batter, and Kohli has consistently reciprocated the affection bestowed upon him.
Despite his absence, the Hyderabad crowd, which missed the lively presence of the Kohli on the field, demonstrated their love by chanting his name. Kohli is known not only for his on-field prowess but also for keeping the crowd engaged, ensuring that fans remain active and involved in the game. However, the audiences in Hyderabad and Vizag would miss witnessing the senior batter in action this time.
Replacing Kohli, uncapped batter Rajat Patidar was named in India's squad for the first two Test matches but was not included in the playing XI for the Test in Hyderabad.
"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 BCCI said in a press release.
Kohli’s withdrawal could be a big blow for the Indian team, given his impressive track record against England on home soil. However, the Indian batter must ensure that Kohli's absence is not conspicuous in the first two Test matches by delivering performances that lead to victory.
On Day 1 of the first Test, England won the toss and chose to bat. However their decision didn't yield well as England batters failed to stand India's spin attack, studded with R Ashwin, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja and were bowled out for mere 246 runs on Day 1 of the first Test in Hyderabad. England skipper Ben Stokes did display his batting blitz after hitting a fiery 70 but failed to take England past 250 mark. Notably, Indian spinners R Ashwin (3/68), Axar Patel (2/33) and Ravindra Jadeja (3/88) shared eight of the England's wickets between them.
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