Ind vs Eng Tests: Despite BCCI asking fans not to speculate, the fans did not oblige and they went on a speculation spree.
Hyderabad: In what would come as a massive setback for the Indian team ahead of the five-match Test series against England, premier batter Virat Kohli would be missing the first two Tests. In a release statement from the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI), Kohli asked the Indian board for a break due to personal reasons and it was granted. Despite BCCI asking fans not to speculate, the fans did not oblige and they went on a speculation spree. While some fans reckoned Kohli is taking a break to be fresh for the brand new IPL season, others felt he was going to become a father for the second time. Here are some of the fan reactions.
Wait wtf? Anushka pregnant?
— Div (@div_yumm) January 22, 2024
Is he going to be the father for 2nd time?
— Talha Junaid (@TalhaJunaid786) January 22, 2024
By the grace of Lord Shri Ram, everything will be fine.
The king will return soon pic.twitter.com/cPYTIWUYAR
— (@Zimbu12_) January 22, 2024
Jr Virat coming
— Sankott (@Iamsankot) January 22, 2024
No please 🥺
But what’s reason?? Is everything alright?
— Pankaj (@Pankaj41627) January 22, 2024
Junior Virat Kohli coming pic.twitter.com/HeOLmSJTAE
— Hemaram Saran (@saran_hemaram) January 22, 2024
“Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series against England, citing personal reasons,” BCCI said in an official statement.
BCCI said that they will announce Kohli’s replacement soon.
Kohli has spoken to India captain Rohit Sharma, team management and the selectors about “certain personal situations that demand his presence and undivided attention” while emphasizing that national duty has always been his top priority.
“Virat has spoken to Captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasized that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention,” the statement further read.
“The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management has extended its support to the star batter and is confident in the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series.