Virat Kohli withdraws from first two Tests against England citing personal reasons

Former India skipper Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two Tests against England, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the announcement on Monday.

A statment from BCCI read, "Mr. Virat Kohli has requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons.

"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 BCCI 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."