England National Cricket Team head coach Brendon McCullum has spoken about the possible return of Indian National Cricket Team big batsman Virat Kohli for the remainder of the five-match IND vs ENG Test series.
Kohli withdrew from the Indian team during the first two Test matches due to personal reasons. The BCCI also asked fans and media not to speculate on the reason for Kohli’s absence from matches.
However, recently the real reason behind Kohli’s unavailability was revealed by one of his closest friends and former RCB teammate, AB de Villiers. The legendary Proteas batsman, while speaking on his official YouTube channel, stated that Kohli and Anushka Sharma are expecting his second child and the batsman has pulled out of the series to spend time with his family.
The selectors are yet to announce India’s squad for the remaining three Test matches and there is a question mark over Virat Kohli’s availability. When Rahul Dravid was asked about Kohli after the second Test in Vizag, he said only the selection committee can inform about the batsman’s availability.
Apart from Virat Kohli, India missed KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja for the Vizag Test as the duo got injured in the first Test in Hyderabad. Rahul has reportedly recovered from his injury but Jadeja is still recovering and remains a doubt for the rest of the series.
Virat Kohli is one of the greatest players the game has ever seen – Brendon McCullum
Speaking before England’s departure to Abu Dhabi for a break before the third Test, Brendon McCullum stated that Kohli is one of the greatest players of all time and his presence makes the Indian team a better unit.
“Virat is one of the best players we have ever seen. He without a doubt improves this squad. As we have said all along, the depth of Indian cricket, the talent in India, is immense. That’s why we respect all the opposing players we come up against,” Brendon McCullum told TalkSport.
McCullum further hoped that everything is fine with Kohli and his family and stated that they are ready to face him once he returns to the team.
“If Virat returns…we hope everything is fine with his family. We look forward to that challenge as well. He is a great competitor. I know him very well and I enjoyed playing against him, I enjoyed our team playing against him. And if you succeed against the best, I am sure you have earned it,” he added.
In the absence of Virat Kohli, the Indian middle-order has struggled and his return would be a big boost for the team. If he and KL Rahul make it to the Indian XI, they are likely to replace Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar in the lineup.
The series currently stands at 1-1 and thThe third Test match between India and England is scheduled to be played from February 15 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.Rajkot.