‘Virat not playing has become a question mark’ – Former cricketer questions Virat Kohli’s absence from Test squad against England

India and England are currently locking horns for the first test match of the match test series of England’s tour of India at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad from 25-29 January 2024. Notably India’s former captain Virat Kohli recently opted out from the first two test matches stating personal reasons and his absence has certainly been felt in the team. 

India’s former cricketer Sanjay Manjarekar recently questioned Virat Kohli’s absence from the team due to unstated reasons where in India could have been extremely dominating in the home conditions. Led by Rohit Sharma the squad for the first test match has included three spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. 

Sanjay Manjrekar on Virat Kohli’s absence from the first test match against England

“I think India should be able to dominate once again in home conditions. Just that batting part, with Virat Kohli not playing, has become a little bit of a question mark”, said Sanjay Manjrekar while talking to ESPNcricinfo. 

“I don’t think it is a gamble (preparing rank-turners). It is a very reliable way to win matches for India because of the kind of opposition that India have. England have Jack Leach and two or three other spinners; a couple of them haven’t played for England, and one of them has just played a Test match”, he added. 

“When you look at the kind of ability England have, it’s a no-brainer that India would want to have pitches that will turn, especially with Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel”, he said. 

IND vs ENG Playing XI For First Test Match 

India’s Playing XI: Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Srikar Bharat(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

England’s Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes(c), Ben Foakes(w), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, Jack Leach