Image Source: X – BCCI
[Saba Sports News] India and England are currently locked in an intense five-match Test series that has already provided fans with numerous memorable moments. With two Tests already concluded, there were expectations for Virat Kohli’s return to the Indian lineup.
However, the 35-year-old, who was absent for the first two matches due to personal reasons, is now expected to miss the entire series. England’s captain Ben Stokes has shared his thoughts on Kohli’s absence ahead of the third Test in Rajkot, emphasizing that Kohli’s situation should not be seen as either advantageous or disadvantageous for England. Stokes expressed his hope for Kohli’s well-being and stressed the overall loss his absence represents for the sport.
“We shouldn’t see it as a positive or negative for our side,” Stokes commented, highlighting the importance of respecting personal circumstances and recognizing Kohli’s significance to cricket fans worldwide.
Kohli’s absence is noticeably impacting the Indian squad, particularly in their batting capabilities, as the team struggled to dominate England in the first two Tests with a relatively inexperienced batting lineup. Additionally, wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul will also be absent from the upcoming Test. Despite losing the series opener in Hyderabad due to a standout performance by England’s Ollie Pope, India bounced back in the second Test. Stellar innings by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill helped India even the series, setting the stage for a potentially decisive third Test in Rajkot.