Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli is unlikely to participate in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka as he has reportedly asked for rest for the first leg of the upcoming series. If reports are to be believed then the former Indian captain Virat is taking a temporary break from the shortest format of the game to focus on ODIs and Test cricket. He hasn’t informed the BCCI when he plans to make a return to T20Is but will not participate in any T20s before the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League. Team India will play 6 T20 matches prior to IPL 2023.
Virat Kohli To Take A Break From T20Is
It has to be noted that Virat hasn’t played a T20I since Team India’s defeat in the semi-final of the 2022 T20 World Cup. He was rested for the complete New Zealand tour while India’s tour of Bangladesh only had ODI and Test series.
“Yes, Virat has informed he is unavailable for the T20s. He will return for the ODI series. It’s unclear at the moment whether he is taking a sabbatical from T20Is. But of course, he will be in plans for important series. As for Rohit, it looks tough and we don’t want to rush his return. Whether he is fit is a call that will be made in the due course. He is batting but can’t take the risk in feeding,” a senior BCCI official told InsideSport.
While Virat still has aspirations to compete in the 2024 World Cup, he wants to control his workload. He wants to focus more on the longer formats.
Besides Virat, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma will also be absent from the series. Rohit Sharma is currently recovering from the thumb injury that he suffered during the 2nd ODI against Bangladesh. He is running against time to be ready for the ODIs that begin on January 10. In his absence, the Indian side will be led by Hardik Pandya.
Yash Dhull Can Get An Opportunity
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the India U-19 team’s World Cup winning-captain, Yash Dhull, will be one of the players to watch out for during the selection meeting. Yash Dhull recently impressed one and all with his consistent performances. He enjoyed a great run in domestic cricket. He made his T20 debut in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and smashed 363 runs at 72.60 with a strike rate of 131.52. has already caught everyone’s attention with his performances. His numbers make him a strong contender to be part of the T20I squad.
