India missing Virat Kohli's energy on the field, says Sanjay Manjrekar

Former batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has said India are missing Virat Kohli‘s energy in the ongoing five-match Test series against England. The former India skipper is not a part of the series due to personal reasons.

He was named in the squad for the first two Tests and also traveled to Hyderabad for the first Test. However, just before the start of the Test, he pulled out of both games citing personal reasons. While Virat Kohli was expected to return to action for the last three Tests of the series, the BCCI announced that he would miss the remaining games as well.

Earlier this week, he revealed the reason behind his absence. The India batting superstar revealed that he and his wife Anushka Sharma have been blessed with their second child – son Akaay. As per reports, he and Anushka are currently in London.

With Virat Kohli not playing against England, Sanjay Manjrekar has said that India are not only missing his batting but also his energy on the field. The former cricketer-turned-commentator came up with the comments after England made a quick start on day two of the ongoing Ranchi Test.

“Virat Kohli brings that energy to the field which is missing currently. He involves the crowd and gets them going as well,” said Manjrekar.

Sanjay Manjrekar said, "Virat Kohli brings that energy to the field which is missing currently. He involves the crowd and gets them going as well". pic.twitter.com/gavjOmhS5v

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 24, 2024

Talking about the ongoing game, England have posted 353 runs in their first innings. Batting first, the visitors were reeling at 112 for 5 in the first session of the match before a 113-run stand between Joe Root and Ben Foakes steadied the ship. Root went on to score a fine century and eventually ran out of partners as he remained unbeaten on 122.

Virat Kohli to return to action next month:

Virat Kohli will be returning to action next month when the Indian Premier League gets underway. He is set to ply his trade for Royal Challengers Bangalore. The 17th edition of the IPL is scheduled to get underway on March 22. RCB will be in action on the very first day of the competition and will be locking horns against reigning champions Chennai Super Kings in a mouth-watering clash.