Cricket News

Is Virat Kohli playing in the 5th Test against England or not?

Virat Kohli may return for the fifth Test match against England in Dharamshala. Virat Kohli has taken a break from the ongoing Test series against England due to personal reasons. Virat Kohli has taken permission from the Indian Cricket Board to be unavailable for the first two Test matches. After the second Test match, there was a break ahead of the third Test match. Indian Cricket Board announced the squad for the remaining Test. Virat Kohli’s name was not included for the last three games as he was not available due to personal reasons.

Jay Shah, Indian Cricket Board secretary has supported the decision to miss the full Test series against England stating that he has the right to take personal leave.

Indian team looks to struggle in the middle-order in the first two Test matches. If  Virat Kohli made himself available for the last Test match it would be a huge boost for the Indian team. While KL Rahul who batted at No.4 position in the first two Test matches against England has an impressive bat performance. KL Rahul has been ruled out due to fitness issues against England. Devdutt Padikkal’s name has been added as a replacement.

England aim to win the Test series against India

Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer has been dropped from the squad for the last three Test matches. He is also injured as he has a stiff back and groin injury.

In the five-match Test series England won the first Test by 28 runs in Hyderabad, while India won the second Test by 106 runs in Vizag. As the series is levelled at 1-1. England aims to win the Test series in India to become the first team in 11 years. Their last Test defeat at home came against England under the leadership of Alastair Cook in 2012-13.

The third Test match is ongoing in Rajkot as India has won the toss and elected to bat first as the pitch looks to get a batting advantage.