Virat Kohli, the leading run-scorer in the recently concluded World Cup, will not be in contention for India's white-ball matches during the upcoming tour of South Africa, commencing with a T20I on December 10 in Durban.
As per Indian Express, Kohli has communicated his decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding his break. India's schedule in South Africa comprises three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches.
Despite this, Kohli is expected to participate in the Test matches. The first Test kicks off on Boxing Day at Centurion, followed by the second Test at Cape Town.
The national selection committee, chaired by former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar, will soon announce the Indian squad across all three formats.
Kohli's remarkable performance in the World Cup saw him accumulate 765 runs in 11 innings, including three centuries, earning him the Player of the Tournament title.
“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,” a source told the publication.
Presently on holiday in London, Kohli has been consistently engaged in cricket for several months. His previous break was just before the World Cup in September when both he and captain Rohit Sharma were rested for the first two ODIs against Australia at home.
There's currently no clarity on Rohit's availability for the white-ball selection. Rohit, who led the Indian team to 10 consecutive wins in the World Cup before the final loss, is also in the United Kingdom on a post-tournament break.
It's understood that BCCI Secretary Jay Shah will soon engage in discussions with Rohit and chairman of selectors Agarkar to chart out the future course.
- Virat Kohli
