Virat Kohli makes himself unavailable for white-ball leg of South Africa tour - Reports

Virat Kohli will join the Indian squad for the test series in South Africa.

Indian superstar Virat Kohli is set to take a break from the upcoming white-ball series against South Africa. India will be touring to South Africa for a month to play a full-fledged series consisting of three T20Is, three ODIs and two tests starting 10th December with the T20I series. Virat Kohli is also not part of the ongoing five-match T20I series against Australia. Along with captain Rohit Sharma and several other senior members, Virat Kohli was also given rest from the T20I series. 

According to a few media reports, Senior Indian top-order batter Virat Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he is willing to take a break from the white-ball leg against South Africa and join the squad for the tests. India and South will play the opening test match on Boxing Day at Supersport Park in Centurion. The second test match will be played at Newlands stadium in Cape Town starting on 3rd January. 

Kohli to opt out, Rohit still unclear

As Quoted by Indian Express, A source informed, “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.” Virat Kohli is currently in London on holiday with his family. 

As of now, no clarity has come from skipper Rohit Sharma who is also holidaying in the United Kingdom with his family. Indian national selector Ajit Agarkar will be having a chat with Rohit Sharma about his availability in the upcoming white-ball series. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have not played a T20I game since the semi-final against England in the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Team India have tried and tested several options as captain in the last year. 

Suryakumar Yadav is currently leading the side against Australia in the five-match T20I series. With Hardik Pandya still doubtful for the upcoming series, it will be interesting to look at who BCCI gives leadership for a big series. Jasprit Bumrah might be back in the shorter format and he might also be considered for the leadership role. SA series will also decide the fate of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the T20I format and also the T20 World Cup 2024 in West Indies and the USA. 

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