Virat Kohli is expected to miss the white-ball leg of India’s tour of South Africa, having informed the BCCI that he will not be available for selection in white-ball matches for an indefinite period. This decision rules him out of the upcoming tour to South Africa and the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in January. Kohli is focusing on red-ball cricket and will participate only in the two Tests in South Africa.
“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 stated.
Meanwhile, there is no clarity on the availability of captain Rohit Sharma for the white-ball leg of the South Africa tour. Both Kohli and Rohit have not played T20 cricket since the 2022 T20 World Cup, and discussions arose about their potential return ahead of the World Cup in June next year. However, it appears unlikely that they will feature in T20Is, and their future in ODIs also remains uncertain.
India’s schedule includes three T20Is and as many ODIs in South Africa, followed by a two-match Test series. The next white-ball assignment is a three-match home T20I series against Afghanistan. Beyond that, India has limited white-ball action until the T20 World Cup, with Test matches against England, the IPL, and the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the USA.
Rahul Dravid gets extension as India head coach:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unanimously agreed to extend the tenure of Rahul Dravid and his coaching support staff. The decision to further the tenure of the 50-year-old former skipper, who currently serves as the head coach, reflects the board’s confidence in his leadership and coaching abilities. Rahul Dravid has been influential in the development of young talents and has played a crucial role in shaping the Indian cricket team. The extension signifies continuity and stability in the coaching setup as the team prepares for upcoming challenges and tournaments under Dravid’s guidance.
“The board acknowledges Dravid’s instrumental role in moulding the Indian team and commends his exceptional professionalism,” it stated.
“The last two years with team India have been thoroughly memorable,” stated Dravid.
“Together we have witnessed the highs and lows, and throughout this journey, the support and camaraderie within the group have been phenomenal.”
“I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set in the dressing room.”
The final decision on Kohli and Rohit’s white-ball future may come after the T20 World Cup, followed by India’s series against Sri Lanka. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is expected to announce India’s squads for the South Africa tour soon. The duration of the new term for the selection committee was not specified by the BCCI, and the focus is on preparing for the T20 World Cup in June 2023.
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