Reports indicate that Virat Kohli will not be participating in India’s white-ball tour of South Africa, opting to take a break from the three ODIs and three T20Is scheduled to begin on December 10.
Virat Kohli is set to miss India’s forthcoming ODIs and T20Is against South Africa, commencing on December 10. Reports from The Indian Express revealed that Kohli expressed his intent to take a hiatus from white-ball cricket, confirming his availability solely for the subsequent Test matches in Centurion and Cape Town.
Kohli’s exceptional performance in the 2023 World Cup saw him amass 765 runs across 11 matches, setting a record for the highest runs scored in a single edition of the tournament and clinching the Player of the Tournament award.
According to a source cited by The Indian Express, Kohli conveyed his decision to the BCCI and selectors, stating his current focus on red-ball cricket while deferring plans for future white-ball appearances.
“He (Kohli) has informed the BCCI and selectors that he needs a break from white-ball cricket and he will get back to them about when he wants to play white-ball cricket next. At the moment he has informed the BCCI that he will be playing red-ball cricket, which means he is available for selection for the two Test matches in South Africa,” the source was quoted as saying.
Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma haven’t played T20Is since the T20 World Cup loss last year. Hardik Pandya became captain, but the selectors’ stance on Kohli and Rohit remains unclear.
With Kohli on break, BCCI’s Jay Shah would meet Rohit and selector Ajit Agarkar for future plans. Hardik’s injury leaves captaincy uncertain for India’s T20Is vs. South Africa.
Last Updated on November 29, 2023
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