The Indian Test captain, Virat Kohli has clarified that he is available three-match ODI series in South Africa and had never asked for a break. Kohli has claimed that he got to know about Rohit Sharma will become the ODI captain as his replacement just an hour before the announcement was made. He also said that the team will miss Rhit during the Test series against South Africa as he is ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
During the press conference before leaving for South Africa, Virat Kohli explained, “I was contacted one and a half hours before selection for Tests. The chief selector discussed with me the Test. Before the call ended I was told that the 5 selectors have decided that I won’t be ODI captain anymore. There was no prior communication about this.”
ALSO READ: Double Meaning Question Of Isa Guha Left Fellow Commentators In Splits
After Virat Kohli was sacked from ODI captaincy last week, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had said that he requested Virat to not step down as T20 captain. Talking about the same, Kohli said, “When I told BCCI that I want to give up T20I captaincy, it was accepted really well. There was no hesitancy. I was told that it was a progressive step. I informed at that time that I would like to lead in ODIs and Tests. The communication from my side was clear but I had also informed that if the office bearers and selectors don’t think I should lead in other formats then that is fine”
I am available for ODIs against South Africa, never asked BCCI for rest: India Test captain Virat Kohli
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 15, 2021
Talking about him being available for the ODI series, Kohli said, “I was and I am available for selection. I haven’t had any communication with BCCI where I have asked for any break. I am available for selection for ODIs in South Africa. People are writing lies. I have never asked for rest.”
Explaining his standpoint further, Virat Kohli said that nothing can derail him from giving his 100% on the field for the Indian team. Things happening outside are not ideal, but he is very excited to go to South Africa and help the team register a series win.
ALSO READ: Chris Morris names his all-time T20 XI, selects MS Dhoni as the captain
When asked bout Rohit Sharma getting injured and not being available for the Test, Virat said, “With his (Rohit) experience and skill we will miss his opportunity presence. But this also gives opportunities to new players to impress.”
Will miss Rohit Sharma's abilities a lot during Test series against South Africa: Kohli
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 15, 2021
