Why did Virat Kohli leave team India ahead of Intra-Squad Practice Match in South Africa? Reason Revealed

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Virat Kohli's sudden departure from the Indian squad ahead of the intra-squad practice match in South Africa was a matter of concern for the Indian fans.

There were reports of having a family emergency on social media and the fans were eager to know if the player will return to the Indian team ahead of the first Test. It was also rumoured that Kohli has come back to India.

But recent reports reveal Kohli has already joined the squad ahead of the Boxing Day Test and is available for selection.

But did he really go to India or did he have any family emergency? A BCCI official has reportedly put an end to the rumours and says Kohli was not in India and it was not a sudden plan from the Indian batting maestro.

Why did Virat Kohli not play the intra-squad practice match?

The official was quoted as saying by News18 that Kohli had prior communication with BCCI about his trip and he was in London for some commitments. That was the reason why the 35-year-old missed out on the intra-squad practice match.

"Virat Kohli wasn't going to play that game. The team management was aware of his plan and schedule, and it isn't something which happened overnight or due to a family emergency. Look at the player in question, it's Virat Kohli. He is very well planned when it comes to these things and his London trip was communicated and planned well in advance," the BCCI official was quoted by News18.

"Kohli left India for South Africa on December 15. Had good 3-4 training sessions before he went to London on December 19. For the next few days, he was in London and has now linked up with the Test squad and will in all likelihood train in Centurion tomorrow," the official further added.

Kohli left for London on December 19 but has already joined the team for the final preparation. India will be playing two crucial Test matches against South Africa and the first of the Test matches starts on Tuesday in Centurion.