Virat Kohli's Extended Absence Poses Challenges for India in Test Series

India’s star batter Virat Kohli is in doubt for the remaining Tests against England having withdrawn from the first two matches due to undisclosed personal reasons. Reports suggest his absence may extend to the next two Tests in Rajkot and Ranchi with uncertainty about his availability for the fifth Test in Dharamshala next month.

Kohli’s absence has been felt in the middle order with Shreyas Iyer struggling to make an impact. Additionally, there is consideration to rest Jasprit Bumrah currently the top ranked Test bowler in the upcoming matches to manage his workload after back surgery last year. The squad for the third Test is yet to be finalized with decisions pending on the fitness of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul.