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‘It is his…’ – Jay Shah opens up on Virat Kohli taking break during IND vs ENG Test series

For more than a decade now, Virat Kohli has been a titan in India’s batting line-up. Renowned for his flair and inch-perfect technique, he’s carved his name in the game’s history. A champion across formats, he holds the record for most T20I and IPL runs, sits third in ODIs, and stands tall as the fourth-highest run-scorer ever. Beyond statistics, his passion and fire on the field are infectious, inspiring millions. He’s a phenomenon that everyone wants to witness. 

However, unfortunately for fans and lovers of the game, they haven’t got to see him for the last month or so as he has been on a personal break. Kohli initially withdrew from the first couple of games of the ongoing Test series against England. He was expected to return for the last three games but that did not happen.

His absence ignited a lot of speculation including that of his mother being unwell. However, that was put to rest by his brother, Vikas. Though Kohli’s absence leaves a void on the field, it’s worth remembering that some things are bigger than the game. Kohli’s dedication to cricket is undeniable, and it’s safe to accept that something extremely important has prompted him to take this break.

“Virat is not that kind of a player…”

In fact, the Indian Cricket Board’s secretary, Jay Shah, expressed his full support for Kohli’s decision and emphasized that players deserve personal leave without speculation, especially one of the magnitude of Kohli. While speaking to journalists during the renaming ceremony of the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium (Now the Niranjan Shah Stadium), Shah declared that Kohli would not have asked for a break if it wasn’t necessary.

“If somebody is asking for a personal leave in 15 years then it is his right to ask for it. Virat is not that kind of a player that he would ask for a leave without any reason. We must back and trust our players,” he said.

A particular report though, has indicated that Kohli could return for the final Test in Dharamsala. However, it remains to be seen if that indeed happens.