For personal reasons, Virat Kohli has decided to miss the rest of the Test series against England. For the same reason, Kohli had missed the first two Tests. In addition to Kohli, Shreyas Iyer will skip the remaining Test matches in Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala, respectively. Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, meanwhile, have rejoined the team; however, their ability to play will rely on the BCCI medical staff’s fitness clearance. The BCCI stated that they “respect and support” Kohli’s decision to skip the remaining Test matches.
“The Men’s Selection Committee announced India’s squad for the final three Tests of the IDFC First Bank series against England,” a statement from the BCCI read.
“Virat Kohli has personal reasons and will not be eligible for selection for the rest of the series. The letter further stated that “the Board fully respects and supports Mr. Kohli’s decision.”
“The participation of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team.”
Nevertheless, Iyer’s absence from the subsequent matches was not explained by the BCCI. In the first two Tests, the batter has amassed scores of 35, 13, 27, and 29.
However, because of their individual injuries, Rahul and Jadeja were unable to participate in the second Test.
In the second Test, India leveled the five-match series by defeating England by 106 runs in Vizag.
After being selected to the team, Bengal pacer Akash Deep was called up for the first time for an India Test match. Avesh Khan, who will still play for Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy, was replaced by Deep.
The fourth Test will begin in Ranchi on February 23, 2024, while the third Test will begin in Rajkot on February 15, 2024. On March 07, 2024, in Dharamsala, the series’ fifth and final Test will take place.
The following players represent India: R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep, KL Rahul*, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.