The Indian cricket team continue to take the field against England in the third, fourth and fifth Test matches at Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamsala respectively without star batter Virat Kohli in the lineup.
It was initially reported that Kohli will be missing the entire series owing to personal reasons but on February 20, the star batter revealed the news of the birth of his second child.
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Will Virat Kohli miss the complete India vs England series?
Before the series commenced, Kohli informed the team management and selectors of his decision to take a break. Citing personal reasons, Kohli expressed the need for his presence and undivided attention in certain family matters, which the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) fully supported.
The Indian Express reported that the batter had flown to England with his family.
“Virat will decide when he wants to make a comeback to the Indian side. He hasn’t informed us till now but whenever he decides to play, he will be included in the team,” a BCCI official said.
Meanwhile, AB de Villiers, Kohli’s friend and former teammate, confirmed that Kohli and Anushka Sharma were anticipating their second child.
“All I know is he is fine. He is spending a bit of time with his family, that is the reason he is missing the first two Test matches. I am not going to confirm anything else. I cannot wait to see him back. He is fine, he is doing well,” AB de Villiers said in a video.
“Yes, his second child is on the way. It’s family time and things are important to him… I think most people’s priority is family. You can’t judge Virat for that. He has made absolutely the right decision.”
On Tuesday, Kohli announced on his social media accounts that he and Anushka were blessed with a baby boy, who was born on the 15th of February.
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