Virat Kohli in action. (Courtesy: BCCI.TV)

Former India captain Virat Kohli”s absence from the five-Test series against England is likely to be extended as he is set to miss the third and fourth Tests. As per a report in espncricinfo, there are doubts if he will be available for the fifth Test in Dharamshala, starting from March 7, which could be an important factor to consider for the Ajit Agarkar-led selector panel before picking up the squad for the remaining matches.

The BCCI had announced that Kohli had pulled out of the first two tests due to “personal reasons”. He had landed to join the squad in Hyderabad on the same day but flew back. There is no clear reason given by the board for Kohli”s absence with their last statement mentioning: “Virat has spoken to Captain Rohit Sharma, the team management, and the selectors and has emphasised that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention.”

Meanwhile, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul are in readiness to join the squad for the final three Tests. Rahul suffered a quad strain while Jadeja sustained a hamstring injury during the first Test following which the recovery of the duo is closely monitored at the NCA in Bangalore. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj who was relieved from the squad from the second Test due to workload management is set to re-join the squad for the remaining Tests.

However, as per the report, the final report of Jadeja and Rahul”s assessment is still awaited. The Third Test is slated to get underway at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot from February 15 which will give the duo ample of time to recover from their respective injury. There is a positive indication for Rahul to return to the squad but Jadeja”s final reports still need to be assessed.

The BCCI is set to announce the squad for the remaining Tests in the next 24 hours.