Huge blow! India to face England without star batter in first two Tests

With India set to take on England in the five-match Test series, fans were eagerly waiting to witness one of the most competitive matches in red-ball cricket. However, that eagerness seems to have taken a hit as star batter Virat Kohli has opted out of the first two Tests. It will also help England get an early lead as they don't have to strategize for the backbone of the Indian batting unit. 

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In a statement released by the Indian Cricket Board on Monday, January 22, it was confirmed that Kohli had withdrawn from the first two matches due to personal reasons. The 35-year-old spoke to team management, including captain Rohit Sharma, before taking the call. The board also extended its support to the former India skipper and requested the media and fans to respect his privacy.

"Virat has spoken to Captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasized that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention," the board said in a statement.

"The Indian Cricket Board respects his decision and the Board and team management has extended its support to the star batter and is confident in the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series," the statement added.

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Kohli's absence will be a huge blow for India

Kohli was with the rest of the team members in Hyderabad, the venue for the first Test starting January 25, as India began their training. Notably, the veteran cricketer had pulled out of the first T20I match of the recently concluded series against Afghanistan. The apex cricket board had announced a 16-man squad for the first two Tests earlier this month, but now Kohli's replacement will be announced in due course.

England will be slightly relieved with the news of Kohli's absence as the right-hander has a good record against them in India. The batting stalwart has scored 1,991 runs in 28 matches, his second most against a single opponent. 1015 of those runs came at home, his most against an opposition, with three centuries at an average of 56.38.