Former India captain Virat Kohli is expected to extend his hiatus and miss the third and fourth Tests against England, according to sources.
The 35-year-old had withdrawn from the first two Tests owing to personal reasons. His wife, Anushka Sharma, is expecting their second child this year, which is likely why Kohli opted to travel from Hyderabad to Mumbai.
India coach Rahul Dravid stated following the Vizag Test that the team management will speak with Kohli to determine his availability for the remainder of the series.
“We’ll connect with Virat Kohli and find out about his availability for the rest of the series,” Dravid told reporters after India won the second Test to level the 5-match series 1-1.
The third and fourth Tests will be contested in Rajkot (February 15) and Ranchi (February 23). ESPNCricinfo reports that Kohli may also miss the last Test in Dharamsala, which begins on March 6.
Injured stars set to return for Rajkot Test:
Meanwhile, India will welcome back fast bowler Mohammed Siraj to their team for the third Test after resting him in Vizag. The hosts may also see the return of KL Rahul, who missed the second encounter owing to a quad issue.
Ravindra Jadeja, who was ruled out in Vizag owing to a hamstring injury, is uncertain for the Rajkot Test.
