Virat Kohli Asks For Break; Set To Miss South Africa White-Ball Tour: Reports
Virat Kohli with ICC CWC 2023 Player of the Tournament award [X.com]
With the World Cup 2023 concluded and the T20I series against Australia nearing its end, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to select the Indian side for the upcoming South Africa tour next month, where the team will play three ODIs, three T20Is and two Tests.
However, 'Player of the Tournament' in the CWC 2023, Virat Kohli has decided to opt out of the white-ball leg and will feature in the Tests.
As reported by Indian Express, the former skipper had indicated his decision to the BCCI and the national selectors, stating that he will play white-ball cricket when he wants.
In 2023 alone, the 35-year-old has featured in 24 ODIs, amassing 1,377 runs with six tons and eight fifties, which include 765 runs in the World Cup as well.
Here's what a Source said
“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 former skipper is currently in London, spending time away from the sport with his family, having played non-stop cricket since October.
Meanwhile, selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar will sit this week and name India's squad for South African series.
 "Vishal Mehra")