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