(Cricket News) Virat Kohli absent from the Indian cricket team’s initial two Tests against England in the ongoing five-Test series, speculations about the reasons behind the skipper’s decision have been circulating. Neither Kohli nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has provided a specific explanation for his absence, except for a brief mention in the press statement stating, “Virat Kohli has requested the BCCI to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming Test series against England, citing personal reasons.”

Given the lack of a clear explanation, numerous interpretations and conjectures have emerged regarding Kohli’s absence and the nature of his “personal reasons.” On Wednesday, Kohli’s brother, Vikas, took to social media to dispel rumors about their mother’s health with a concise statement.

“Hello everyone, I have noticed that there is this fake news about our mom’s health been circulating around. Let me clear that our mom is absolutely fit and fine. Also, I would request everyone and also the media not to spread such news without proper information. Thanks everyone for your concern,” stated Vikas in the post shared on his Instagram handle.

In Kohli’s absence, India faced a defeat in the first Test against England by 28 runs in Hyderabad. England’s debutant, Tom Hartley, played a pivotal role by taking 7-62 as the visitors staged a remarkable comeback. While India held a 190-run lead in the first innings, scoring 436 in response to England’s 246, the hosts collapsed in the second innings, going all out for 202 runs in 69.2 overs while chasing 231.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan went to the extent of suggesting that if Kohli had captained the Indian team in the first Test, they would not have suffered the defeat they did. For the second Test in Vizag, India faced additional setbacks with KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja ruled out due to injuries.

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