England Players Hit by Virus Ahead of Rajkot Test; Ben Stokes Addresses Concerns

It is doubtful that a discussion with the team management and national selection can persuade Virat Kohli to reconsider missing the last three Test matches against England.

According to sources who spoke with The Presstime, at the selectors' meeting in Hyderabad, Kohli disclosed to them that he would not be available for the full series. Jay Shah, the board secretary, then said that he would be absent for the first two tests due to "personal reasons."

After talking to Kohli, it was agreed that a call on his availability will be made after the match in Visakhapatnam.

"I believe it would be preferable to inquire of the selectors when the squad for the next three games is decided. They're undoubtedly the most qualified to respond to it. We'll address it later. Head coach Rahul Dravid informed the reporters after their 106-run victory in the second Test, "I'm sure there will be a selection (meeting) over the next few days and we'll connect with him and find out."

It was initially reported by The Telegraph on Friday that there was doubt over Kohli's availability for the remaining matches.

It is believed that the Board deferred decision-making to Ajit Agarkar, the head selector, and the team management. At the moment, Kohli is away from home.

Kohli has said unequivocally that he could not give this series his all attention. The source said that while Agarkar is anticipated to talk with him, there is very little likelihood that he would return for the season. "Given the shaky middle-order, even his playing in the final Test in Dharamsala would help the side."

With the exception of first innings double centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal and second innings centurion Shubman Gill, none of the starting lineup was able to reach 50 in the two innings of the second Test.

AB de Villiers recently disclosed on his YouTube program that Kohli and wife Anushka Sharma were expecting their second child and that "it's family time" for them. Despite this, the Board has asked everyone to respect Kohli's privacy.

As part of managing the workload in Rajkot, there are also rumors that the team management may choose to put Jasprit Bumrah on leave. On February 15, the third Test gets underway.

Over 32 overs were bowled by Bumrah over the two innings in Visakhapatnam. The Rajkot track, which favored the hitters with very little help for the pacers in particular, has also had an impact on the decision.

Under these conditions, it would be unjust to unduly pressure Bumrah, given that his performance in the last two Test matches, at Ranchi and Dharamsala, might prove pivotal for the series. It is anticipated that Mohammed Siraj would replace Bumrah in the starting lineup.

If the circumstances resemble those of the first two Tests, the think-tank could choose to use four spinners and a pacer. You can't rule out playing an additional batter as well.

Their batting will be improved by KL Rahul's availability for the third Test, while Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja will be out for the next two Tests.

Jadeja is now a student at the National Cricket Academy after sustaining a hamstring injury during the first Test in Hyderabad. Some people are hopeful that he may be available for the last Test.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.