BREAKING: Virat Kohli withdraws from India-England series, change in pace department | Cricket News

Former India captain Virat Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the senior national selection committee that he is withdrawing from the remaining three Tests of the five game series against England. The Indian Express understands that Kohli informed the BCCI about his availability on Friday, the day selectors met in an online meeting to decide the squad for the Tests at Rajkot, Ranchi and Dharamshala.
At the start of the series, Kohli had spoken to Indian captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and emphasised that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention. In its press release later, BCCI secretary Jay Shah informed, “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.”
It will be the first time in his career that Kohli will not be part of a home series. With India bouncing back at Vizag and leveling the series 1-1, the selectors had decided against making too many changes to the winning combination.

Also missing the next three Tests would be middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer. As reported this paper, Iyer has been ruled out because of injury and the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru will monitor his progress going ahead. Iyer had complained of stiffness in the back and pain in the groin area while playing forward defence.

Rahul, Jadeja back
In another development, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the second Test match at Vizag have been declared fit and have found their way back into the Indian side. Jadeja had sustained a hamstring injury during play on day four in Hyderabad Test while Rahul had complained of a right quadriceps pain. Their inclusion means Indians will have a much balanced side.
The selectors also settled the debate about pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management. Bumrah would play the crucial third Test.
Akash Deep gets a Test call
The senior selection committee has decided to pick Akash Deep for remaining three Test matches. As a result Avesh Khan has been dropped. The selection committee felt that Avesh was better off playing the Ranji Trophy instead of warming the bench with the Test side. At the same time Akash will get a chance to groom. The selection committee and Indian captain Rohit were impressed with the way Akash bowled against England Lions during an unofficial day’s game in Ahmedabad a few days ago.