The absence of Kohli, who has scored 1,991 Test runs against England at an average of 42.36, leaves a gaping hole in the home team's batting line-up in what are expected to be tough batting conditions. "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 stated in a media release.
"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.
"The BCCI requests the media and fans to respect Virat Kohli's privacy during this time and refrain from speculating on the nature of his personal reasons.
The focus should remain on supporting the Indian cricket team as they embark on the upcoming challenges in the Test series," the release added.
Kohli hadn't featured in the white-ball leg of the recent South Africa tour and also the first T201 against Afghanistan but played the remaining two games.
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