India braces to play its next two Test matches against England without veteran Virat Kohli. The international cricketer has yet to inform the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his plans for the last three of the five Test matches.
However, the BCCI clarified that it can insert the 35-year-old batter should he inform them of his availability.
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“He (Kohli) hasn’t informed us till now but whenever he decides to play, he will be included in the team,” the BCCI was quoted as saying in a report from the Indian Express.
“The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management has extended its support to the star batter,” it added.
It can be recalled that Kohli last month informed the BCCI of his decision to skip the first two Test matches against England. He cited “personal reasons” for stepping away from the game.
Meanwhile, two other India key players – Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul – who also missed the second Test match, might come back to play for the third match, reports said.
Bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who starred in India’s 106-win run on Monday, is given the option by the BCCI to rest or play for the third Test match. The BCCI selection committee is leaving the decision to Bumrah himself, reports said.
