Virat Kohli said he was communicated by
BCCI just an hour before the announcement that his former deputy Rohit Sharma
would take over the captaincy in both ODIs and T20Is as India’s new white-ball captain
from the upcoming South Africa series.

Also Read: A pity: Virat Kohli’s childhood coach blasts BCCI for ODI captaincy axing

“I was contacted one hour before the test
series announcement,” said Kohli during a press conference on Wednesday. It was
Kohli’s first reaction after being removed as Team India’s ODI captain. BCCI appointed Rohit as India’s new ODI captain three months after Kohli announced that he
would step down as the team’s T20I captain after the T20 World Cup in the UAE, which was held in October-November.

Kohli will play in ODIs

Kohli also rubbished rumours that he made
himself unavailable for the ODI series, which will be played after the Test
series, reported ANI.

Also Read: How Virat Kohli lost captaincy: A detailed timeline of events

“I am available for selection and was
available for selection. I am available for ODIs and I was always keen to
play,” Virat Kohli retorted when asked if he is available for the series
against South Africa.

Rohit, meanwhile, has been ruled out of the
Test series due to injury.

Also Read: Ganguly is right in naming Rohit ODI, T20 captain: Ex-Pakistan captain

The BCCI removed Kohli from India ODI captaincy
last week while announcing an 18-member Test squad for the upcoming South
Africa tour. India’s three-match Test series against South Africa will begin on
December 26 at SuperSport Park, Centurion.

Ganguly praised Rohit’s captaincy credentials 

Board president Sourav Ganguly said Rohit’s
record in IPL has been “phenomenal” as he won five titles with Mumbai Indians
as a skipper. Ganguly also said Rohit has won two series without Kohli while
leading in the Asia Cup (ODI) and Nidahas Trophy (T20I) in 2018.

Also Read: ‘Rohit’s record in IPL is phenomenal’: Ganguly on captaincy controversy

“His record for IPL (Mumbai Indians) is
phenomenal… winning five titles. He captained India in Asia Cup a couple of
years ago which India won as well, and India won without Kohli. To win a title
without him spoke volumes of that team’s strength. So he has had success in big
tournaments. He has a good team. So hopefully they can all turn it around,” the
BCCI President said.

India’s ODI series against South Africa will start on January 19 in
Paarl.