It has been claimed that Virat Kohli has given the BCCI notice that he would not be available for selection in white-ball matches going forward. This essentially means he won’t be playing in the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in January or the white-ball portion of India’s next visit to South Africa. Kohli has chosen to focus on red-ball cricket for the time being and will only play the two Test matches in South Africa rather than the ODIs and T20Is, a BCCI source informed The Indian Express.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Takes Break from Cricket
Kohli has communicated to the selectors and BCCI that he needs a break from white-ball cricket and that he would let them know when he is available to play in the future. He is eligible to be selected for the two Test matches in South Africa as of right now since he has notified the BCCI that he would be playing red-ball cricket, the source added.
However, it is unclear if India skipper Rohit Sharma would be available for the South Africa tour’s white-ball leg. Since the Australia 2022 T20 World Cup, neither Rohit nor Kohli have participated in T20 cricket. Nevertheless, the World Cup is scheduled for June of the following year. There was discussion about whether or not they would both like to come back. For one last chance to win an ICC trophy. Furthermore, given that the T20 World Cup is just six months away, it is only right to ask Rohit to lead India’s attack there given the sort of performance he had at the bat during the World Cup and his leadership abilities.
However, given the current situation, it is doubtful that Rohit and Kohli would play in T20Is going forward. Their future in ODIs actually appears to be quite dismal. In any case, India’s white-ball schedule is rather light until the T20 World Cup.
Virat Kohli Skips Upcoming Series
Their schedule consists of three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) to begin in South Africa. A pair of Test matches, and subsequently the same number of ODIs. For those two matches, it is almost a given that Rohit and Kohli will wear the whites. They have a three-match home T20I series against Afghanistan scheduled for their next white-ball assignment. After that, nothing exists. After an England Test tour of India, the IPL and the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA will come next.
Up to June of this year, India has three ODIs and six T20Is. They won’t miss much if Rohit and Kohli don’t play them. When India plays a T20I and ODI series in Sri Lanka following the T20 World Cup, it would be a better time to make a decision on their white-ball future. Right now, Rohit and Kohli are both vacationing with their families in the UK. Within this week, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to reveal the Indian teams for the upcoming trip to South Africa.
Rahul Dravid’s tenure as India’s head coach is extended
Meanwhile, the Indian cricket board extended their support for Rahul Dravid. The BCCI stated in a statement that it had “unanimously agreed to further the tenure” of the 50-year-old former captain.
“The board acknowledges Dravid’s instrumental role in moulding the Indian team and commends his exceptional professionalism,” added the statement.
After the World Cup, which concluded on November 19 with Australia defeating India, Dravid’s contract had expired. For a two-year term, Dravid was appointed in November 2021. He has also kept his support staff, which includes bowling coach Paras Mhambrey and batting coach Vikram Rathour. The BCCI did not specify the duration of the new term. In an effort to end their agonising absence from international competitions. India is now focused on winning the Twenty20 World Cup in June of next year.
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