As the fans eagerly awaits the commencement of the five-match Test series between India and England, both teams are grappling with significant setbacks. India’s batting stalwart, Virat Kohli, has withdrawn from the first two Tests, marking a substantial loss for the team. 

The series is set to ignite the cricketing fervor with the first Test scheduled for January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, followed by the second Test in Visakhapatnam starting on February 2. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) disclosed that personal reasons necessitated Kohli’s withdrawal, as the cricket maestro engaged in discussions with captain Rohit Sharma, team management, and selectors about his need to prioritize pressing personal matters. The quest to fill the void left by Kohli’s absence is underway, with an announcement of his replacement expected imminently.

Kohli’s departure is indeed a heavy blow to the Indian batting lineup, given his exceptional prowess, particularly against England. Boasting a commendable record, Kohli has amassed 1991 runs against England, averaging 42.36, and has been a dominant force in past encounters, notably during the 2016 home series where he emerged as the leading run-scorer.

In a similar vein, England’s cricket team has been dealt a blow with the withdrawal of Harry Brook, also due to personal reasons, as reported by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). This development shifts the spotlight onto seasoned players like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja to shepherd the Indian batting lineup through this challenging phase.

As the cricketing community rallies behind these players respecting their personal space, as urged by the BCCI, the impending series holds the promise of an enthralling showdown. The narrative is further spiced up by the anticipation of how England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach will fare against the formidable Indian spin bowling arsenal, setting the stage for a compelling series. Get free cricket betting tips from Nextbet Sports.