Another big blow for the Indian cricket team, as it was learned that the Indian cricketer Virat Kohli will reportedly be missing the forthcoming ODI series against South Africa. Kohli, who was recently replaced as the ODI skipper by Rohit Sharma, was included in the squad for the tour of South Africa, however, he has already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his decision to miss the upcoming ODI series.
Well, it was just yesterday, when it was learned that India’s newly appointed Test vice-captain, Rohit Sharma will miss the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa due to an injury that he suffered on his hand in a training session before the upcoming South Africa tour. The BCCI has summoned India A captain Priyank Panchal as his replacement for him ahead of the tour of South Africa.
“Priyank Panchal replaces injured Rohit Sharma in India’s Test squad. Rohit sustained a left hamstring injury during his training session here in Mumbai yesterday. He has been ruled out of the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa,” the BCCI tweet stated.
NEWS – Priyank Panchal replaces injured Rohit Sharma in India’s Test squad.
Rohit sustained a left hamstring injury during his training session here in Mumbai yesterday. He has been ruled out of the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa.#SAvIND | @PKpanchal9 pic.twitter.com/b8VgoN52LW
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 13, 2021
The turn of events in Indian cricket, of late, have been quite dramatic, however, the reason behind this decision does not have anything to do with the change in captaincy or any controversy. A report in the Times of India suggests that Virat Kohli is all set to miss the upcoming ODI series. If reports are to be believed then Virat might also miss the last and final Test match, which will be played from Jan 11 to 15.
Virat is taking time off to celebrate his daughter Vamika’s first birthday. Vamika Kohli was born on January 11 last year, and Virat is planning a holiday with his family after the conclusion of the Test series.
BCCI official (in News9) said “Virat Kohli has informed us that he will not be available for the ODI series – he wants to spend time with family as he was in playing for many months with IPL, T20 WC – don’t read social media rumours, there is nothing between Rohit & Kohli”.
Meanwhile, the fans were left disappointed with the news and came up with mixed reactions. Here, check out the reactions of Twitterati on this:
Captain rohit was enough to finish whole SA team
— Johns. (@Devil_vk18_) December 14, 2021
Just sack both Virat and Rohit. These two won’t get along further. They’ll either way retire in 2-3 years
KL should lead in all formats. End of debate.— Niranjan Biradar (@NiranjanBiradar) December 14, 2021
Rohit not playing test. Kohli not playing odi. Both of them playing only the format they captain. Coincidence?
— Noted Finitely (@nothinz12345678) December 14, 2021
https://twitter.com/tatakaeyy/status/1470590659367112704?s=20
Am I the only one who thinks Virat is taking too many breaks? He didn’t play the T20 series against New Zealand and didn’t play the first Test. He has had his break.
What is the use of fitness when you are not playing consistently?#ViratKohli— Yash Halgaonkar (@YashHalgaonkar) December 14, 2021
Rohit Sharma not available for Test series, where Virat will lead the team.
Virat Kohli not available for ODI series, where Rohit will lead the team.Congratulations @BCCI for ruining cricket for us. ? #CricketTwitter
— Unnati Madan (@unnati_madan) December 14, 2021
Chutiyapa from kohli, all his dedication to fitness and cricket doesn’t mean anything if he cant spare time playing for his country.
— skp (@Shyam1481) December 14, 2021
Irony is that Indian cricket is running according Kohli and Rohit..
— असकरी आ़रिफ़ (@MohdAsk87871101) December 14, 2021
rohit missing tests. virat missing ODIs. im having doubts has board done this deliberately to keep both away so that issues are not escalated?
if true not right. virat missing bilateral odis which r not imp is still ok but making rohit miss tests is not.— naq5 (@ntweet_55) December 14, 2021
Ego are high level in Team India….
— Akash Balor (@akashbalor) December 14, 2021
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Got Ruled Out Of The Test Series Against South Africa