Praveen Kumar Speaks Out: What Impact Could Virat Kohli's Rest Have on Team India?

Former Indian national cricket team fast bowler Praveen Kumar has shared his direct verdict on star batsman Virat Kohli's unavailability in the ongoing five-match home Test series against England national cricket team. Kohli was initially ruled out of the first two Tests against England and was expected to return for the last three matches of the series. However, that did not happen and he took a break for the entire Test series. The batting superstar cited 'personal reasons' behind his withdrawal and the BCCI urged fans not to speculate about Virat Kohli. A few days later, AB de Villiers revealed that Kohli had pulled out of the series to be with his family and that he and his wife Anushka Sharma were expecting their second child.

Later, de Villiers issued an apology saying that he had given wrong information and also said that he did not know the exact reason behind Kohli's withdrawal. However, the South African legend's news turned out to be true as on Tuesday, February 20, Virat Kohli announced that he and Anushka had a baby boy, whom they named Akay.

Virat Kohli has been consistently playing and performing for India and serving - Praveen Kumar
In an interaction with the media, Praveen Kumar was asked to share his views on Kohli's unavailability for the Test series against England. The former pacer replied that Kohli has been serving the Indian national cricket team continuously for the past decade and his absence for a series should not be questioned. Kumar also asserted that Kohli's absence opens up space in the team and young players can get a chance to perform for the team.
 

Praveen Kumar said - "Virat Kohli has been playing and performing and giving his service for India continuously in last 15-16 years. If he has taken a break and then there should be no question on it". (News18) pic.twitter.com/UDoxC73yJf

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“Virat Kohli has been consistently playing and performing and serving for India for the last 15-16 years. If he took a break there should be no question. In his absence, the youngsters are getting opportunities and they should do well,” he said.

Talking about the IND vs ENG Test, Rohit Sharma & Co suffered a shock defeat by 28 runs in the first match in Hyderabad. However, they bounced back strongly and won three consecutive matches to clinch the second Test series at home. The Indian national cricket team defeated the Three Lions by 106 runs, 434 runs and 5 wickets in the second, third and fourth Tests played in Visakhapatnam, Rajkot and Ranchi. Beating the Ben Stokes-led team was not as easy as a dominant Indian team made it look. This was the Three Lions' first Test series defeat under the captaincy of Ben Stokes and the coaching of Brendon McCullum.