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New Delhi: Virat Kohli has not yet clarified to the Indian cricket board (BCCI) whether he is amenable to touring England for the upcoming five-Test series, after having communicated his wish to call time on a stellar red-ball career.TOI has learnt that Kohli, after having received a request from the board to reconsider his decision — in the wake of Rohit Sharma also retiring from the format ahead of what will be a crucial series — has not backed down from his stand.Sources, however, said the BCCI and the selection committee are still trying to convince him to tour and shore up India’s inexperienced middle-order on such an important tour.“Kohli had informed the selectors two weeks ago (about his desire to quit Tests). They were trying to persuade him to play in the Test series against England. However, he is still firm on his stance. The final call will come close to the selection meeting next week,” sources said.Kohli has had a stellar Test career but has struggled in the format in recent times. In Australia late last year, the repetitive manner of his dismissals — caught fishing outside off stump — even raised questions about whether he still deserved a permanent place in the side.
Despite his recent struggles and prolonged dip in form, the selectors are keen that he be present in India’s squad in England to lend experience to a new-look team in which Shubman Gill has emerged as the likely frontrunner for the captain’s post.Kohli’s unavailability, if it comes to pass, could present a new headache for the selectors regarding his replacement at No. 4 in the batting order. If Kohli doesn’t budge, the selectors may be forced to look at either Shreyas Iyer or Karun Nair as likely replacements.Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar has emerged as a strong contender to replace Sarfaraz Khan in the squad.Shami’s Test future in doubt The selectors may be forced to take a tough call on veteran pacer Mohammed Shami. TOI has learnt that there are serious concerns about Shami’s form and fitness and his ability to endure the rigours of Test cricket following a long injury-enforced layoff. India’s frontline pace lineup is looking shaky, with workload concerns surrounding Jasprit Bumrah adding to the worries.Who’s that IPL player?“As of now, Shami isn’t an automatic pick. It’s been months since he has come back to international cricket but he has barely been in rhythm. While IPL performances are not usually considered while picking India teams, Shami is struggling to finish his run-up and the ball is not carrying to the wicketkeeper like it used to before his Achilles tendon injury after the 2023 ODI World Cup. He invariably goes back to the dressing room after a short spell for recovery,” BCCI sources said.The selectors, it is understood, are expecting to get Bumrah’s services on the tour for two or three Tests only. In such a scenario, they were pinning their hopes on 35-year-old Shami to perform. “The initial plan was to ensure the team can at least play either of Shami or Bumrah in every Test. However, if Bumrah is rested for a match and Shami struggles to pull through, it will be a big issue. They are trying to understand the problem Shami may be facing,” sources said.Selectors are also concerned about Mohammed Siraj not being able to step up as lead pacer in Bumrah or Shami’s absence. The England tour could also be a makeor-break one for him.There are also talks about choosing between left-arm pacers Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Yash Dayal. While Arshdeep has shown his potential to swing the ball both ways, it’s his lack of first-class experience that could pose a problem.
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