Virat Kohli To Miss IND vs SA T20I, ODI Series Next Month: Reports

Virat Kohli, the 35-year-old star batter, is taking a break from white-ball cricket, making him unavailable for selection in IND vs SA T20I and ODI matches, Indian Express reported.

Virat Kohli has reportedly conveyed to the BCCI his decision to take a hiatus from white-ball cricket. He plans to communicate his return to white-ball cricket at a later time. Currently, he has notified the BCCI of his intent to focus on red-ball cricket, making himself eligible for selection in the upcoming two Test matches in South Africa.

Following India's disappointing loss by six wickets against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final, Virat Kohli is presently on vacation in London.

Meanwhile, Indian captain Rohit Sharma is also in London, and it remains uncertain whether Rohit, who guided India to 10 consecutive victories in the ODI World Cup 2023 before the final defeat, will be there for the white-ball series against South Africa.

If Rohit Sharma chooses not to participate in IND vs SA T20I and ODI series, wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul might emerge as the top choice to lead the team.

KL Rahul previously captained India's white-ball squad during the 2022 South Africa tour when Virat Kohli stepped down and Rohit was sidelined due to injury. Alternatively, selectors may also contemplate Jasprit Bumrah as a potential captain for India.

IND vs SA T20 series schedule: The series between India and South Africa will kick off with a three-game T20I series, commencing on December 10 in Durban.

IND vs SA ODI series schedule: Following this, the three ODIs are set to occur in Johannesburg, Gqeberha, and Paarl on December 17, 19, and 21, respectively.