Virat Kohli’s return- Brendon McCullum, the head coach of the England National Cricket Team, has commented on the potential return of Virat Kohli the modern-day batting great from the India National Cricket Team, for the remaining matches in the ongoing five-match Test series between India and England.
Kohli withdrew from the Indian squad for the first two Test matches, citing personal reasons. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) requested fans and media not to speculate on the reasons behind Kohli’s absence.
Recently, AB de Villiers, a close friend and former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate of Kohli, revealed the actual reason for Kohli’s unavailability. On his official YouTube channel, the legendary South African batsman mentioned that Kohli and Anushka Sharma are expecting their second child, and Kohli opted out of the series to spend time with his family. The selectors are yet to announce the India squad for the remaining three Test matches, and there is uncertainty regarding Kohli’s availability. When questioned about Kohli after the second Test in Vizag, Rahul Dravid, the head coach, stated that only the selection committee could provide information about the batter’s availability. # Virat Kohli’s return
Apart from Kohli, India also missed KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja in the Vizag Test due to injuries sustained in the first Test in Hyderabad. While Rahul has reportedly recovered, Jadeja is still in the recovery phase and remains uncertain for the rest of the series.
Before England’s departure to Abu Dhabi for a break ahead of the third Test, Brendon McCullum expressed that Kohli’s presence significantly enhances Team India, emphasizing Kohli’s stature as one of the greatest players in the game.
“Virat is one of the greatest players the game has seen. No doubt, it improves this squad. As we have said throughout, the depth in Indian cricket, the talent in India is immense. So we respect every opposition player that we come up against,” stated Brendon McCullum in an interview with TalkSport. # Virat Kohli’s return
McCullum expressed hope for Kohli’s well-being and family and mentioned that they are prepared to face the challenge once he returns to the squad.
“If Virat is coming back… we hope everything is well with his family. We will look forward to that challenge too. He is a great competitor. I know him very well, and I enjoyed playing against him, I enjoyed our team playing against him. And if you have success against the best, I am sure you have earned it,” he added.
In Kohli’s absence, the Indian middle-order has faced difficulties, and his return would be a significant boost to the team. If both Kohli and KL Rahul are included in the Indian XI, they are likely to replace Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar in the lineup. The series is currently tied at 1-1, and the third Test between India and England is scheduled to commence on February 15 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. # Virat Kohli’s return.
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