Kohli in all probability will be rested for South Africa series: Report

Virat Kohli will likely by rested for the upcoming home-series, five T20Is, against South Africa, PTI reported quoting sources. Temba Bavuma and co will tour India starting June 9. The former India captain in currently representing the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2022. 

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Kohli is currently is battling a lean patch. The former RCB captain has scored 216 runs in 12 games in IPL 2022 at 19.64 and strike rate of 111.34. He has scored only one half-century this season – a 53-ball 58 vs the Gujarat Titans. The 33-year-old has recorded three golden ducks and as many single digit scores. 

As per PTI’s source, the break will help Kohli recharge his batteries before the high-profile England tour, which starts on July 1. 

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Kohli has been playing, hence in the bio-bubble, for some time now. Former India coach Ravi Shastri had said that India’s No 1 batter should get a break to refresh and conquer his lean patch. 

“Virat Kohli in all probability will be rested for the South Africa series. He has been playing a lot of cricket and has been in the bubble for a long time,” a senior BCCI official privy to development told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

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“It has been a policy decision regarding Kohli and other senior players that they will be given periodic breaks from time to time.”

South Africa are scheduled to play the five T20Is at Delhi, Cuttack, Visakhapatnam, Rajkot and Bengaluru India will then travel to the UK, where they will also play six white-ball games.

“Whether it’s two months or a month-and-a-half, whether it’s after England or before England. He needs a break because he has got 6-7 years of cricket left in him and you don’t want to lose that with a fried brain,” Shastri had recently said.

Virat Kohli’s form is key, especially in context of the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia, which is only five months away. 

The selection committee will meet towards the end of the IPL and the series against the Proteas will set in motion the Indian team’s preparations for the T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia in October-November.

“Even skipper Rohit Sharma would require adequate rest with so much of cricket being played. Some of the others include KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, who all from time to time will need rest,” the official said.