Virat Kohli, the Indian batsman, is now uncertain for the remaining matches of their Test series against England.

Kohli has pulled out of the first two Tests due to personal reasons and multiple Indian news sources are stating that he will also miss the following two matches in Rajkot and Ranchi later this month.

Although the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not made an official statement regarding the rumors, Kohli may also not be able to participate in the fifth and final Test in Dharamshala next month.

Kohli, with nearly 9,000 runs and 29 centuries under his belt, has been absent from India’s middle-order in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. Despite Shreyas Iyer’s inability to score above 35 in four innings, he may retain his spot if Kohli, the ex-captain of India, remains on the sidelines.

India is considering resting Jasprit Bumrah in the upcoming match against Rajkot, which would give the tourists an advantage. Bumrah performed exceptionally well in the previous match, taking nine wickets for 91 runs, and has now become the top-ranked Indian paceman in the International Cricket Council’s Test bowling rankings.

India is reportedly being cautious of Bumrah’s workload, considering he underwent back surgery last year. Despite a 10-day break between the second and third Tests, the team is mindful of his recovery and may limit his bowling in the remaining matches. As of now, Bumrah has bowled 57.5 overs in the series and may be given a break to maintain his fitness for the fourth and fifth Tests.

Prior to announcing their team for the upcoming third Test, India needs to determine if all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and batsman KL Rahul have recovered from their injuries.

Source: theguardian.com