Virat Kohli Likely To Rejoin Team For India Vs England Dharamshala Test: Source

An official of the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI) told PTI that ace batter Virat Kohli may rejoin Team India for the Dharamshala Test against England. On the condition of anonymity, a BCCI official said, "The selection committee always knew that Virat won't be available for the series and accordingly the contingency plan was kept ready."

He added that despite announcing the team for the next three matches, BCCI selectors are in continuous touch with Virat Kohli and hoping for his return at the earliest.

"Everyone in BCCI wants Virat to fulfill his family commitments and then come back with a free mind as and when he deems fit," the BCCI official further added.

For the unversed, Virat Kohli sought a break citing personal reasons. He had joined the team for the series opener in Hyderabad but left a day before the match after discussing the problem with skipper Rohit Sharma, who also agreed to his decision as family should be the top priority.

The fifth and final Test of the five-match series is slated for Dharamsala from March 7 to 11, 2024.

Meanwhile, there were also some rumors that Virat Kohli wanted to stay with the family following his mother's ill health, but after a few hours of news being spread, Virat Kohli's brother Vikas Kohli junked the speculations stating their mother is totally fit and fine. He had also requested media and fans not to spread such rumors and to respect player's privacy.

However, former RCB star AB de Villiers disclosed another reason for Virat Kohli's absence. In his video blog, the former South African cricketer said that Anushka Sharma is expecting a second child, so Virat Kohli wanted to be with her and take care of her. Later, he also apologized and made a U-turn from his statement.