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Star Indian duo set to return for final three Tests against England, Virat Kohli's participation uncertain

Kohli was with the team in Hyderabad for the training camp but he requested the management to give him a break for the first two matches just before the series opener.

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Mathew K
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Team India (Source: X)

Team India (Source: X)

The five-match Test series between India and England is now at an intriguing phase after the hosts leveled the scoreline at 1-1 with a resounding win in Visakhapatnam. Despite some key players being out of the team, Rohit Sharma and Co. managed to counter 'Bazball' for an emphatic 106-run win. The next encounter is in Rajkot and both the teams have enough time to come up with better strategies. 

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Team India is yet to announce the squad for the final three Tests, mainly due to the uncertainty of star batter Virat Kohli. According to multiple reports, Kohli hasn’t conveyed his availability for the third Test, starting from February 15. The Indian Cricket Board's selection committee is expected to reveal the squad soon and it is understood that the veteran batter is unlikely to be selected.

Kohli was with the team in Hyderabad for the training camp but he requested the management to give him a break for the first two matches just before the series opener. While the board cited 'personal reasons' behind his absence, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers confirmed that Kohli and Anushka Sharma are expecting their second child.

The board also noted that the former Indian captain will be included in the squad whenever he is available for selection. Currently, there are reports that Kohli will miss the third and fourth Tests, but there is clear uncertainty regarding Kohli's participation in the final match as well. 

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KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja likely to return for Rajkot Test 

It is learned that KL Rahul and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja will return to the team for the Rajkot Test. The star duo had missed the second Test due to injury. Jadeja, who was sidelined due to a hamstring injury, will play at his home ground.

Meanwhile, the management is willing to rest Jasprit Bumrah in the third Test, but the elite pacer has the choice to take the final call. The players have got a break of more than 10 days for the Rajkot Test. As per reports, the medical team will submit a report on Bumrah's workload management to the selection committee, after which the panel will take a call on whether he should play or not. However, whether to participate or not is up to the speedster. 

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