(UTV | INDIA) – Virat Kohli will play the ODI series against South Africa, says BCCI official
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that Virat Kohli will play the One-Day Internationals against South Africa next month. Multiple sources in the board, including a couple of office-bearers, have told Cricbuzz that they have no knowledge of any request from the India Test captain to be excused for the ODIs. The three-match series starts on January 19.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that Virat Kohli will play the One-Day Internationals against South Africa next month. Multiple sources in the board, including a couple of office-bearers, have told Cricbuzz that they have no knowledge of any request from the India Test captain to be excused for the ODIs. The three-match series starts on January 19. “There is no truth in reports of Virat skipping the ODIs,” said a top BCCI member, while informed sources have reiterated Kohli’s commitment saying, “He is a totally committed cricketer and there is no doubt about his participation.”
The reports assumed connotations in the wake of the recent change of captaincy in the ODIs and speculation that Kohli was unhappy for being removed from the leadership role in the 50-over format. Rohit Sharma, who was earlier appointed skipper of the Twenty20 side, was confirmed as the captain for the ODIs too. There is no information if any member of the BCCI or selection committee has got in touch with Kohli but it can be confirmed that BCCI president Sourav Ganguly was in Mumbai for last two days. Kohli is expected to clarify on Wednesday (December 15), when the BCCI has scheduled the customary pre-tour media conference.
Meanwhile, there is still no clarity if Rohit will be able to discharge his role as captain in the ODIs. Sources said Rohit, who had to be withdrawn from the Test series after he “sustained a left hamstring injury” during a training session in Mumbai recently, is being monitored by the BCCI physios. The selectors are likely to wait till very end before taking a call on announcing a replacement. The selection committee is expected to meet only after the final of the Vijay Hazare Trophy one-day competition on December 26 to pick the squad for the ODI series against South Africa.