Reports: Virat Kohli set to take break from white-ball series for South Africa tour, no clarity on Rohit Sharma

India’s star cricketer Virat Kohli is set to miss the white-ball format series against South Africa, slated to take place on December 10. Notably, the men’s senior cricket team is currently playing five matches of the T20I series against Australia, which started on November 23. India’s middle-order batter, Suryakumar Yadav, is leading the side in the absence of regular skippers and is currently 2-1 after three matches.

According to sources, former India skipper Kohli has requested the Indian Cricket Board to allow him to take a break from the T20I and ODI series of the South Africa tour. In addition, the 35-year-old cricketer is available for the Test series of the South Africa tour. However, there has been no official update on India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, regarding India’s next tour of South Africa.

Notably, Kohli and Rohit are currently in London and enjoying their family time after the ODI World Cup 2023 campaign. Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma are set to welcome their second baby after Vamika at any time soon. In addition, the well-renowned Bollywood actress was seen with her heavy baby bump during India’s ODI World Cup 2023 campaign.

Virat Kohli is available for selection for the two Test matches in South Africa: Reports

“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 source said.

Meanwhile, Rohit and Kohli were last seen in action during the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia on November 19, where the hosts suffered a six-wicket loss to the Aussies. Notably, the RCB stalwart emerged as the leading run-scorer of the tournament, which bagged him the Player of the Event award owing to his great batting. In addition, the stylish right-handed batter has scored 50 ODI centuries and exceeded the milestones achieved by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar in his ODI career.