File photo of Virat Kohli© BCCI/Sportzpics
With the 5-match Test series between India and England 1-1, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce the squad for the remaining three maches. One of the biggest hurdles for the selectors in announcing the roster seems to be the lack of clairty over Virat Kohli‘s availability. The former India skipper pulled out of the first two matches due to a family concern, which according to AB de Villiers is the birth of his and wife Anushka Sharma‘s second child. When England coach Brendon McCullum was asked about Kohli, he hoped all is well with the India star’s family.
In a chat on TalkSport, McCullum couldn’t hide his excitement over a possible duel with Kohli, hoping for his return ahead of the third Test.
“Virat’s one of the greatest players of the game has seen. No doubt it improves this squad. As we have said throughout, the depth in Indian cricket, the talent in India is immense. So we respect every opposition player that we come up against,” McCullum said.
Earlier, Virat’s former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate AB de Villiers revealed that Virat and Anushka are expecting their second child, hence the Indian cricketer is spending time with his family.
“If Virat is coming back…we hope everything is well with his family. We look forward to that challenge too. He is a great competitor. I know him very well and I enjoyed playing against him, I enjoyed our team playing against him. And if you have success against the best, I am sure you have earned it,” McCullum added during the chat.
After the conclusion of the second Test in Vizag, India head coach Rahul Dravid was also asked about Kohli’s return. Dravid said that he is yet to get on a phonecall with him to ask about his availability.
“I think it’s best to ask the selectors. I am sure they are the best people to answer ahead of the team selection for the next three Tests. We will get to that. I am sure there will be a selection over the next few days. We will connect with him and find out,” Dravid had said.
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