Virat Kohli, the talismanic cricketer and the highest run-scorer in the recently-concluded World Cup, has decided to take a break from white-ball cricket during India’s tour of South Africa. The tour, which kicks off with a T20 International on December 10 in Durban, includes three T20 internationals, three ODIs, and two Test matches. Virat Kohli, however, has communicated his availability for the Test series, which begins with the Boxing Day game in Centurion.
Virat Kohli decision to step back from white-ball cricket comes after a relentless schedule and a remarkable performance in the World Cup, where he amassed a staggering 765 runs in 11 innings, including three centuries. His outstanding form earned him the player of the tournament award. The BCCI and selectors were informed by Virat Kohli that he needs a break from the shorter formats and will communicate his return to white-ball cricket in due course. For now, the focus is on red-ball cricket, making him eligible for selection in the upcoming Test series in South Africa.
The national selection committee, headed by former India all-rounder Ajit Agarkar, will soon finalize the Indian team across all three formats. Virat Kohli’s absence from the white-ball games creates an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their skills, providing depth to the team.
Virat Kohli, currently on holiday in London, has been on a cricketing marathon for the past few months. His decision to take a break is reminiscent of a similar break he took before the World Cup in September. Alongside captain Rohit Sharma, he was rested for the first two ODIs against Australia, emphasizing the importance of periodic rests in a cricketer’s busy schedule.
The skipper’s decision to prioritize red-ball cricket aligns with his previous strategy of managing workload and maintaining peak performance. Last year, after the tour of England, Virat Kohli took a break, skipping limited-overs series in the West Indies and Zimbabwe. He spoke about the positive impact of the break, revealing that it allowed him to recharge both mentally and physically.
Kohli’s dedication to the game is evident in his statement during that period: “For the first time in 10 years, I didn’t touch my bat for a month. I haven’t done that ever in my life.” He acknowledged the need to listen to his body and mind, highlighting the challenge of balancing competitiveness with the body’s need for rest.
While Kohli’s break from white-ball cricket is clear, the situation regarding Rohit Sharma’s availability for the white-ball games in South Africa remains uncertain. Rohit, who led the Indian team to ten consecutive wins in the World Cup before the final, is also on a break in the United Kingdom. The BCCI secretary Jay Shah is expected to engage in discussions with Rohit and the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, to chart out the future roadmap.
The absence of both Kohli and potentially Rohit in the limited-overs series provides an opportunity for the team management to explore new combinations and test the depth of the squad. It also emphasizes the need for a well-thought-out rotation policy to keep key players fresh and at their best for major tournaments.
Kohli’s prolific form in the World Cup, where he not only equaled but surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s ODI century record, showcased his enduring excellence. Scoring centuries against Bangladesh, South Africa, and New Zealand, Kohli played a crucial role in India’s campaign. Reflecting on the achievement, he expressed the desire for a perfect picture, achieving his 50th century in front of his loved ones and fans at the historic Wankhede Stadium.
Kohli’s decision to step back from white-ball cricket is a testament to the need for strategic workload management in modern-day cricket. As the selectors finalize the squad for the South Africa tour, the absence of Kohli in the shorter formats opens up opportunities for emerging talents to make their mark. The focus now shifts to the Test series, where Kohli is set to bring his experience and expertise to the forefront, aiming for success in the challenging conditions of South Africa.