IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli's return uncertain; Shubman Gill-Shreyas Iyer walking on thin ice

Mumbai, Feb 3: The suspense over Virat Kohli's return to the Indian cricket team continues to unfold as selectors deliberate over his availability for the remainder of the Test series against England.

Despite mounting speculation, Kohli's comeback remains shrouded in uncertainty, with key stakeholders poised to engage in discussions to ascertain his intentions. The former India captain is reportedly outside the country with his family.

Kohli's absence from the first two Tests, citing personal reasons, has sparked speculation and intrigue within cricketing circles. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has affirmed its stance on prioritizing player welfare and family commitments, questions linger over Kohli's potential return to the squad.

A senior BCCI official, on condition of anonymity, was quoted by PTI that discussions are underway to gain clarity on Kohli's availability. Acknowledging the primacy of family commitments, the official underscored Kohli's prerogative to make a decision aligned with his personal circumstances.

Meanwhile, former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate and close friend, AB de Villiers, shed light on Kohli's decision, affirming his support for the Indian stalwart. De Villiers emphasised the importance of prioritising family obligations, commending Kohli for his authenticity and integrity in navigating personal and professional realms.

As deliberations continue behind closed doors, attention shifts to the on-field dynamics of the Indian team. With Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer facing scrutiny over their recent batting performances, speculation mounts over potential changes in the batting lineup for the upcoming Tests.

Shreyas, Gill on notice as Rahul to return?

Gill and Iyer, who have been struggling for big runs in the red-ball format, will have to buckle up and score some runs when their turn to bat comes in India's second innings at Vizag. If they fail to do so, KL Rahul could walk in for one of them in the third Test.

Rahul missed the second Test with a quadriceps injury but the word is that the Bengaluru man could be for the next match at Rajkot from February 15. Both Iyer and Gill haven't scored a single fifty in their last nine Test innings and time is running out for both of them with the red-hot Sarfaraz Khan sitting in the dug-out and Rahul's quadricep problem getting better with each passing day.

Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Shami uncertain for England series

In addition to batting concerns, uncertainties loom over the availability of key players Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja. While Shami's absence from the series persists, Jadeja's injury setback further complicates India's bowling options, necessitating careful consideration ahead of squad announcements.