Virat Kohli Opts Out Of Remainder Of Series, Rookie Pacer Akash Deep Gets Maiden Call-Up

BCCI confirmed the news -

The BCCI announced on Saturday that the star batsman Virat Kohli would miss the remaining Test matches against England for personal reasons. This puts an end to rumors regarding the star player's availability for the highly anticipated match. On February 3, PTI reported that Kohli had missed the first two Tests and might miss the final three matches. "Virat Kohli has personal reasons and will not be eligible for selection for the rest of the series. The BCCI stated in a release that "The Board fully respects and supports Mr. Kohli's decision."
Kohli is presently away due to an urgent family emergency. India won the second Test at Vizag, tying the series at one. The third game is set to begin in Rajkot on February 15.

Bengal speedster Akash Deep, who has been acknowledged for his continuous performance in first-class cricket and in the recent India A vs. England Lions Test series, is the only new face in the 17-man squad.

Saurabh Kumar, the left-arm spinner has been discharged, Jadeja has returned and Mohammed Siraj has rejoined the team in place of Avesh Khan.

India's Squad for 3rd Test:

Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep.