NewDelhi Dec 14 : In a major development that has taken place since Virat Kohli was removed as the skipper of India’s ODI team, the batting maestro will reportedly be missing the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa.
Kohli, who is a part of India’s Test squad for the tour of South Africa, is said to have already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his decision.
The BCCI’s recent decision of handing the captaincy in both the limited-overs formats to Rohit Sharma had created plenty of chatter. While Kohli himself is yet to officially react to the development, his decision to skip the 3-match ODI series against the Proteas reportedly does not have anything to do with the change in captaincy.
A report in the Times of India suggests that Virat is taking time off to celebrate his daughter Vamika’s first birthday. Vamika was born on January 11 last year, and the India Test skipper is said to be planning a holiday with his family after the conclusion of the Test series. The final Test of the tour will be played from Jan 11 to 15. The ODI series will kick off on January 19.
The turn of events in Indian cricket, of late, have been quite dramatic. Earlier, Rohit Sharma was ruled out of the entire Test series due to a hamstring injury. The Hitman, however, is expected to be fully fit for the ODI series. Now, it looks like Kohli will not be available for the important ODI assignment in the Rainbow nation.