Selection committee to discuss Virat Kohli's availability for England Tests after AB de Villiers lets cat out of bag

The mystery surrounding Virat Kohli's absence from the initial two Test matches against England was finally dispelled when his close friend and former South African skipper, AB de Villiers, disclosed that Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their second child. This revelation promptly triggered discussions on whether he would make a comeback for the remaining Tests. Kohli had opted out of the matches in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam just three days before the commencement of the opening Test against England.

On Saturday, reports emerged suggesting that the selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, will plan to engage in discussions with the former India captain regarding his future plans at the earliest. According to reports, Agarkar, along with other senior officials from the board, will aim to have a conversation with the 35-year-old, who is currently overseas, to gain clarity on his situation and ascertain if he is ready to resume his national duties. 

"Family comes first as BCCI's press release stated and Virat will only play if he feels that he is in a position to play," a BCCI source said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

AB de Villiers discloses real reason behind Virat Kohli's absence from England Tests

During a question and answer session on his YouTube channel amidst India's second Test against England in Vizag, AB de Villiers disclosed that Virat Kohli's decision to withdraw from the England series was due to the impending birth of his second child. Responding to a fan query, De Villiers had unveiled the personal reason behind the star India batter's absence, as he shed light on the cricketer's priorities beyond the cricket field.

"Yes, his second child is on the way. It's family time and things are important to him. If you are not true and genuine to yourself, you lose track of what you are here for. I think most people's priority is family. You can't judge Virat for that. Yes, we miss him. But he has made absolutely the right decision," De Villiers concluded.