As per the reports surfacing former World No.1 ODIbatter Virat Kohli might miss the 1st ODI in a three-match series against Englandstarting today, to be played at the Oval, London, due to a groin injury, hesustained in the last T20I against England two days back.
The extent of the injury now is unknown, but he ismost likely to be rested today, owing to the fact how crucial this series isfor him, keeping the poor form he has been going through. Reports that surfacedearlier, pointed towards the possible exclusion of former team India Captainfrom the T20 World Cup squad over his poor form, to be played later this yearin Australia. Virat failed again in the two T20Is he played this series,scoring just 12 runs combined.
Responding to the reports and comments over ViratKohli’s form outside the team dressing room, Team India Captain Rohit Sharmacame to his defence at the post-match press conference of the 3rd T20I.
Sharma over a question on talks over Kohli’s formresponded, “When a player has done so well for these many years, then one ortwo series doesn’t make him a bad player. We should not overlook what he hasdone for the team in past. The form is temporary but the quality of the playersis permanent we are backing that quality as a team, this has happened with meand other great players as well. They have all the right to talk about it butit doesn’t bother us much.
Moreover, Kohli has reportedly asked not to considerhim for the White Ball tour against West Indies. Virat and Rohit are rested forthe ODI squad which will be led by Shikhar Dhawan. BCCI is yet to announce theT20I squad for the series against the Caribbeans.