The suspense around Virat Kohli's availability for the final three Tests against England is only brewing as clarity on the Indian batter's presence for the remainder of the series is yet to come. However, despite missing the services of star players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and the injured Ravindra Jadeja, India thrashed England by 106 runs in the second Test held in Visakhapatnam.
No news on Virat Kohli's return
The intriguing aspect lies in the anticipated return of these players, as the squad for the remaining three Tests has not been announced yet. Kohli had taken a break from the India versus England Tests citing personal reasons, and there have been rumors suggesting that he and his wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their second child. As per reports, Kohli has not yet communicated his return date to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The next Test for India is scheduled for February 15, making it a matter of great interest to see whether Kohli will be able to rejoin the series or not.
Rohit-Agarkar brainstorm on Kohli
After the second Test against England concluded, India's captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, engaged in an intense conversation on the sidelines. Their discussion appeared intense, with Rohit displaying a sense of concern, while Agarkar maintained a composed demeanor.
Kevin Pietersen decodes Rohit-Agarkar chat
England batting legend Kevin Pietersen attempted to interpret the discussion between the two individuals. Kevin suspected that the conversation might revolve around Kohli.
"They are trying hard to get Virat Kohli to come back because the series is missing him," Kevin Pietersen said about the exchange.
The BCCI is expected to make an announcement regarding the squad for the remaining matches, potentially focusing on just the third Test, sometime during this week. The discussion mainly centered around the selection of players and whether those who were on rest due to injuries are now fit to make a comeback.
India is indeed grappling with a significant player shortage due to these breaks and injuries. Additionally, Ishan Kishan, who took a break from international cricket in December, has yet to make a return to the cricket field, even at the domestic level. Kishan's conduct has reportedly led to a loss of trust and support from the Indian team management due to his perceived lack of responsibility toward his place in the side. There were reports indicating that Kishan had gone to Dubai for a party after opting out of the Tests against South Africa.
India's head coach Rahul Dravid gave his verdict on Kishan's comeback after India beat England in second Test.
"There is a way back for anyone and everyone. It's not that we rule out anybody from anything," Dravid said in the post-match press conference.
“Again, I just don't want to go on laboring about the Ishan Kishan point. I have tried to explain this as best as I can. He had requested a break, we were happy to give him a break,” he added.
Kishan missed the T20I series against Afghanistan and is now also missing out against England in the Test series.
“Whenever he is ready, I didn't say he has to play domestic cricket, I said whenever he is ready... he needs to play some cricket and come back. The choice is his. We are not forcing him to do anything. We are in touch with him. We know what it is. He hasn't yet started playing, right? At the moment, it's not something that we would consider. He is maybe not ready. He decides when he wants to be ready,” former India captain stated.
"We have got options with Rishabh injured and stuff. The selectors will consider all this and take a call," Dravid concluded.
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