Virat Kohli to miss at least two more Tests against England, uncertain for Dharamsala match as well: Report

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Star India batter Virat Kohli has become a significant uncertainty for the remainder of India's Test series against England at home. Kohli had previously opted out of the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons.

Kohli opted out of the initial two Tests due to personal reasons, and numerous Indian media sources suggest that his absence could extend to the following two matches in Rajkot and Ranchi later this month.

Although there hasn't been any official confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India regarding these speculations, Kohli might also be unavailable for the fifth and final Test scheduled for next month in Dharamshala.

According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, the star batsman is expected to be absent from the third and fourth Test matches against England in Rajkot and Ranchi. The report also suggests that Kohli's participation in the final match of the series remains uncertain.

In a statement released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), just three days prior to the start of the series, it was confirmed that Kohli had requested to be withdrawn from the initial two Tests of the upcoming series against England, citing personal reasons. The BCCI further urged the media and fans to respect Kohli's privacy during this period.

"The BCCI requests the media and fans to respect Virat Kohli's privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons. The focus should remain on supporting the Indian cricket team as they embark on the upcoming challenges in the Test series," the statement read.

Rajat Patidar, a right-handed batsman, has been called up to replace Virat Kohli in India's squad for the first two Test matches against England. Patidar made his international debut on December 21 last year in the 3rd ODI against South Africa, where he opened the innings for the Indian team and scored 22 runs from 16 balls at a strike rate of 137.50.

India faced a 28-run defeat in the first Test against England but bounced back with a convincing 106-run victory in the second Test of the five-match series. Kohli's last appearance was during the T20I series against Afghanistan last month, where he contributed a quickfire 29 runs but also faced a golden duck in the two matches he played.