Chris Woakes expresses concern for Virat Kohli and Family after AB de Villiers' U-Turn

England all-rounder Chris Woakes expressed that star Indian batter Virat Kohli’s absence from the ongoing India-England Test series is disappointing for the fans. Chris Woakes hoped that Virat Kohli and his family were okay while acknowledging his presence.

Virat Kohli has been ruled out of the last three Tests of the ongoing five-match series against England due to personal reasons. The 35-year-old batter also opted out of the first two matches in the series. The BCCI didn’t mention the exact reason for Kohli’s absence.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Chris Woakes hopes for Virat Kohli‘s return to cricket when he is ready. Woakes emphasized the significant impact Kohli has made on the sport throughout his career.

“Obviously the fans will be disappointed. It would have been amazing to see Virat Kohli play in the series. I hope he is okay and his family is okay. I just hope whenever he comes back to cricket he will be in a good place. I think we have been very lucky to have him play in so many games,” Woakes said.

Former South African skipper AB de Villiers previously mentioned that Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma were expecting their second child, but he later apologized for the misinformation. He urged fans to respect the privacy of the former Indian captain and his family.

It’s Been A Great Series To Watch – Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes praised the cricketing atmosphere in the country, considering it an incredible cricketing environment. The 34-year-old anticipated more thrilling Test matches shortly.

“It’s been a great series to watch, I am sure, the guys (England Cricket Team) love playing in India. Amazing place to play cricket. I think more exciting Test matches are coming up,” Woakes added.

The Ben Stokes-led side registered a 28-run victory during the series opener in Hyderabad. The visiting team beat India despite conceding a 190-run lead to the opposition. The home team bounced back with a 106-run victory in the second game in Visakhapatnam.

Jasprit Bumrah Was The Standout Player – Chris Woakes

Chris Woakes praised Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional performance in the recent Test matches, describing him as a ‘world-class player’. Woakes stated that Bumrah is one of the best bowlers across all formats.

“I have managed to keep a look at the score but could not watch it. It seems like an amazing Test series. In the last Test match, Jasprit Bumrah was the standout player, he is a world-class player. Across all the formats, he is one of the best if not the best at the moment. It’s great to see fast bowling executed well especially in this condition,” Woakes further stated.

Jasprit Bumrah showcased an outstanding performance in the Visakhapatnam Test. Bumrah took 6/45 and 3/46 in the respective innings, earning him the player of the match award. The pacer climbed to the top spot in the latest ICC Test rankings for bowlers.

Also read: “Virat Kohli went for paternity leave, isn’t available for the entire series..”- Aakash Chopra