Virat Kohli unlikely to return for next two tests against England: Report

RAJKOT: Former India skipper Virat Kohli is not likely to return to the Indian squad for the next two Test matches against England, a report said. Kohli, who had withdrawn from the first two Tests due to personal reasons, is now with his family. Fans were hoping that Kohli would return for the third Test in Rajkot.

The former India skipper also stays doubtful for the final match of the series against England in Dharamshala, the report said.

"Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series against England, citing personal reasons," BCCI said had said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the cricket's top governing body in the country requested the media and fans to respect Kohli's privacy during this time.

"The BCCI requests the media and fans to respect Virat Kohli's privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons. The focus should remain on supporting the Indian cricket team as they embark on the upcoming challenges in the Test series."

The third match of the series will start on February 15 in Rajkot. The fourth Test will be played in Ranchi on March 23 and the final Test will be played in Ranchi on March 7.