Why is Virat Kohli out of India vs England first Test? Superstar requests to be withdrawn from opening two matches of series

India will be without superstar Virat Kohli for the opening two Tests of their series against England.

The first Test match is set to get underway this Thursday and Kohli had been named in the squad to take on Ben Stokes and co. 

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Kohli will play no part in the opening Tests of the series
However, the most famous cricketer in the world will now not take part in that match as well as the second Test.

talkSPORT.com has taken a look at why the Indian icon is going to be absent…

Why is Kohli out of India vs England? 
Kohli has withdrawn from India’s squad for the first two test matches due to personal reasons. 

The 35-year-old will play no part after requesting a leave of absence. 

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The Board of Control for Cricket India did not reveal the details of his circumstances but they stated: “Certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention.”

BBCI secretary Jay Shah then released a statement reading: “Mr Virat Kohli has requested to be withdrawn from the first two Tests of the upcoming IDFC First Bank Test series against England, citing personal reasons.

“Virat has spoken to captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasised that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention.

“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.

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Kohli requested to be withdrawn from the India squad due to personal reasonsCredit: AFP
“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.”

So India will be missing their main man to kick off the series in what is a huge blow. 

However, England have been dealt a blow of their own with key batter Harry Brook also pulling out of the series due to personal reasons. 

Brook is flying home to be with his family and England have called up Dan Lawrence in his place. 

England’s series against India will be live and exclusive across the talkSPORT network.