Former Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli is currently on a break from international cricket due to personal reasons
Virat Kohli is currently taking a break from international cricket due to personal reasons. He informed the BCCI that he won’t be available for the first two Tests against England in a five-match series. The squad for the remaining three Tests hasn’t been announced yet, sparking speculation about his availability. Amidst this, a report from cnbctv18.com suggests that Kohli is on the brink of ending his long-term partnership with Puma India, surprising many after their eight-year collaboration, which began with a Rs 110 crore deal in 2017, a highly publicized endorsement in Indian sports.
The report also hints at Kohli potentially becoming the face of Agilitas Sports Pvt Ltd, a sports footwear manufacturing brand. However, both Puma and Agilitas Sports have not yet provided official statements on the matter.
Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding Kohli’s availability remains a challenge for selectors in finalizing the England Tests roster. He withdrew from the first two matches due to family reasons, reportedly the birth of his and wife Anushka Sharma’s second child, according to AB de Villiers. When asked about Kohli, England coach Brendon McCullum expressed hope for his return before the third Test, anticipating a thrilling showdown.
“Virat’s one of the greatest players the game has seen. No doubt his presence would bolster the squad. As we’ve emphasized, the depth and talent in Indian cricket are immense. So we hold every opposition player we face in high regard,” McCullum remarked in a chat on TalkSport.
McCullum couldn’t contain his excitement at the prospect of facing Kohli on the field, highlighting the impact Kohli’s return would have on the series dynamics. The anticipation of such a clash underscores the respect and admiration Kohli commands as a formidable competitor in international cricket.
As the cricketing world awaits official confirmation regarding Kohli’s partnership with Puma and his potential association with Agilitas Sports Pvt Ltd, the focus remains on his imminent return to the field and the significant role he plays both on and off it. His decisions regarding endorsements and career pursuits will undoubtedly continue to generate interest and speculation among fans and analysts alike, adding another layer of intrigue to his already illustrious career.