IND vs ENG: BCCI unclear on Virat Kohli's return, Jadeja and Mohammed Shami likely to be ruled out of series

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is not clear on if Virat Kohli will return to play in the Test series against England. The senior India batter had requested leave from the first two Test matches against England due to personal reasons, however, BCCI is unclear when the batter will return to the Indian team.

The BCCI had requested the fans and the media to not speculate on the matter, however, Kohli's close friend AB de Villiers revealed over a YouTube live session that Kohli was expecting his second child with actor Anushka Sharma.

"Family comes first as BCCI's press release stated and Virat will only play if he feels that he is in a position to play," a BCCI source in know of things told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

De Villiers said Kohli has done absolutely the right



thing by taking a break.

"Yes, his second child is on the way. It's family time and things are important to him. If you are not true and genuine to yourself, you lose track of what you are here for. I think most people's priority is family. You can't judge Virat for that. Yes, we miss him. But he has made absolutely the right decision," said De Villiers.

Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, have not stepped up in Virat's absence and have been going through a rough patch in Test cricket. Shubman however, arrested his slump and hit a gritty fifty on Day 3 of the 2nd Test match in Vizag. Shreyas Iyer continued his poor form and got out for 29 runs in the morning session of play.

The squad for the remaining three Tests against England will be named next week after the conclusion of the second Test.