New Delhi
Talismanic India batter Virat Kohli, the leading run-getter of the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and Player of the Tournament, is set to take a break from white-ball cricket. According to reports, Kohli has informed the BCCI that he won’t be available for the three-match T20I series and three-game ODI series during the upcoming tour of South Africa. However, he has expressed his availability for the two Tests scheduled at Centurion and Cape Town. A source mentioned, 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. Kohli’s decision comes after an exceptional performance in the Men’s ODI World Cup, where he amassed 765 runs in 11 innings, including three centuries. Currently on holiday in London, Kohli had previously taken a break from the first two ODIs against Australia in September before returning for the final game of the series in Rajkot. The report also stated that there is no clarity yet on skipper Rohit Sharma’s availability for white-ball matches on the South Africa tour, which commences on December 10. BCCI secretary Jay Shah is expected to discuss the future roadmap of the Indian team with Rohit and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar in the coming days.
