Before coming down to play India vs England test series, the first Test against England, India faced a big shock. Virat Kohli will not be seen in the first two tests against England. He will not play Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. The former captain stepped down on Monday citing personal reasons.
However, before stepping down, Virat spoke to captain Rohit Sharma and the team management committee. He told Rohit that playing for the country is the most important thing for him. But sometimes such a situation arises, when you have to pay full attention to personal matters. That’s why he removed himself.
Announcing Virat’s decision to stand up, the Indian board said in a statement that captain Rohit Sharma had taken this decision after talking to the members of the team management committee and the selectors. Representing the country has always been a priority for Virat. But the situation is such that he has to go back.
Virat was also seen with the Indian team on Sunday. The Indian board appealed to media and fans to respect Virat’s decision. The Indian board said, “BCCI respects Virat’s decision. We stand by Virat. In his absence, let the rest take the team forward.” It also said, “Hope everyone respects Virat’s decision.”
A day ago Sunil Gavaskar commented, if England has ‘Bajball’, then India has ‘Viratball’. But for now this ‘Viratball’ will not be seen in the first two tests. Gavaskar again wants Yasshwi Yashwal to start the innings with Rohit in Tests.