Reports: Virat Kohli to miss the third Test against Sri Lanka

The Indian skipper Virat Kohli is likely to miss the third and final Test match of the series against Sri Lanka in Kanpur. The selectors announced the team for the series earlier today and named the squad for the first two games. It is understood that Kohli has requested the selectors to release him for the concluding game of the series which will be played from December 2 citing personal reasons. It is also being speculated that the captain might be rested for the limited overs leg against the same team as well.

Kohli is currently leading the team in the ongoing ODI series against the Kiwis and smashed a record 31st ton on Sunday. However, New Zealand won the match by 6 wickets and defeated the resurgent Men in Blue. The second game in Pune now has suddenly become do or die for the hosts. The Indian team would love to win the game and take it to the decider at Green Park in Kanpur.

Hectic schedule of Team India

India is continuously playing since ICC Champions Trophy in June and have been to Sri Lanka and West Indies. Then they came back to their country and contested against Australia in limited overs series’. Now the team is being challenged by the spirited Kiwis led by Kane Williamson in the ODI series which will be followed by 3 T20 Internationals. However, one man who has played all this while is the skipper Virat Kohli. Surely, he might be needing some rest ahead to the important tours of South Africa and England in the next year.

In case, Kohli’s request of being released for the third Test against Sri Lanka is accepted by the selectors, Ajinkya Rahane will lead the side in his absence. He has done it before against Australia in Dharamsala when the world-class player had missed the decider due to a shoulder injury. Also if the 28-year-old misses out on the ODI leg as well, Rohit Sharma is the likeliest candidate to lead the troops on the field.