Following December 26, India will play 3 Test matchups and 3 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) versus South Africa. According to reports before the start of the series, Virat Kohli is listed as questionable to the ODI series versus SA. Meanwhile, a BCCI official has recently spoken out regarding the issue. Here we have discussed about Will Virat Kohli Skip India vs South Africa ODI Series?
Will Virat Kohli Skip India vs South Africa ODI Series?
Kohli will lead the team for the three-Test series versus South Africa, which concludes on January 15 in Cape Town. However, it has been rumoured that the batsman could miss the ODI series in order to spend more time with his family. According to a board official, Kohli has not made any formal request for about the same.
“As of now, Kohli hasn’t sent any formal request to skip the ODIs to either BCCI president Sourav Ganguly or secretary Jay Shah. If something is decided at a later date or God forbid, he sustains an injury, then it’s a different matter,” a senior BCCI official.
If Kohli wants to take a break, he would definitely inform the chairman of selectors
The BCCI official further stated that Kohli is going to be playing a 3-match ODI series. He further stated that if he wishes to take a short break due to bubble fatigue, he would notify the appropriate authorities.
“As things stand today, he is playing the three ODIs on January 19, 21, 23. The skipper is traveling with his family. But yes, if he feels bubble fatigue after the Test series and wants to take a break, he would definitely inform the chairman of selectors and secretary Jai Shah, who is the convenor of the selection committee,” the source added.
Following the South Africa tour, the Indian squad will be in a 3-week bubble when they host Sri Lanka for Tests & T20I’s. When it comes to Kohli, he has been outspoken regarding bubble fatigue and the consequences it has on one’s mental health. He had a paternity leave for the 2020-21 Australia tour last year but was also sidelined for the home T20I series versus New Zealand.
In terms of the India-South Africa series, the latter has yet to win a Test series in South Africa. Furthermore, considering Team India’s previous international exploits, they will be fired up to reverse the tables this time.
