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3 Test series that Virat Kohli has missed since his Test debut

Virat Kohli, the name synonymous with passion, aggression, and sheer brilliance in red-ball cricket, has carved his name as one of the finest Test batsmen of this generation. The batting maestro hasn’t just piled on runs, he’s been a staunch advocate for Test cricket. His passion is infectious. Kohli’s grit, intensity, and fierce competitiveness bring an edge to Test matches, captivating audiences worldwide. He embodies the spirit of the format, battling for hours, building monumental innings, and celebrating victories with unbridled passion.

With only 3 full series missed in over a decade, he stands as a role model, proving passion and dedication can co-exist with a demanding schedule. Let’s delve into the three-Test series Kohli sat out and dissect what his absence meant for India and the cricketing landscape:

1. 2011 (India’s tour of England)

Kohli, a fresh-faced 22-year-old, was not included in the Indian squad for the 2011 tour of England. Kohli had made his Test debut in just the previous series that India played vs West Indies but with plenty of senior players returning from injuries and rests, Kohli was overlooked. England, led by Andrew Strauss, went on to win 4-0, dominating the Indian team right from the get-go. Kohli was then included in India’s next assignment against the West Indies at home.

2. 2018 (One-off Test vs Afghanistan)

This single-Test match against Afghanistan was a historic occasion, marking their Test debut. Kohli, however, opted out to focus on preparing for the subsequent series against England. India, under then-captain Ajinkya Rahane, comfortably won the match by an innings and 262 runs. Kohli’s absence in this one-off Test didn’t significantly impact the result or his career trajectory. It must have helped his preparations for the England tour as he ended up performing extremely well, even conquering James Anderson who had caused him a lot of problems back in 2014.

3. 2024 (England’s tour of India)

This ongoing series against England in India will see Kohli miss all five matches due to personal reasons. His absence has been significant, leaving a void in the Indian middle order. While India won the second Test convincingly, their batting has lacked the stability Kohli usually provides. The impact of Kohli’s absence goes beyond runs. He is a leader, a motivator, and a vital cog in the Indian team dynamic. However, given the strong advocate of Test cricket that he is, the decision to sit out would not have been taken lightly. Indian fans will hope that the youngsters in the team can put up a good show and ensure that India wins the series.