India will be playing the historic one-off Test against Afghanistan at the Chinnaswamy stadium Stadium, Bangalore on 14th June. The regular Test captain of India, Virat Kohli will not be playing in the tie as he will be in England playing for Surrey. Keeping the upcoming tour to England in mind, Virat has decided to focus on his form in England and will skip the Test match against the debutants.
However, the BCCI also declared the Indian squads for their limited overs tour to England and Ireland. In contrast to the one-off Test, Virat Kohli will not only be playing these ODIs and T20Is but will also lead the side. Now, this scenario poses a few dilemmas of its own.
India’s twin T20Is against Ireland are scheduled on 27th and 29th June. At the same time, Surrey will also be playing their county match against Yorkshire from June 25 to 28. Virat Kohli has signed up for Surrey and has stated that he will play for their county for the month of June after which India start their English tour.
ALSO READ: India announces the ODI and T20I Squad For the England Tour
Now will Kohli play for Surrey or will he captain the Indian team is unknown. When PTI posed the same question to Indian selectors, they refused to give a clear answer. Both MSK Prasad and Amitabh Choudhary gave vague answers. Prasad said: “Kindly talk to the BCCI secretary on this issue,” while Choudhary said, “Be rest assured, everything is fine.”
ALSO READ: Indian T20I squad for Ireland Tour Finalized
Speaking on the non-availability Prasad though did not mind not having the chance to select his regular captain for the tour. “Except Virat, the entire Test specialists are playing this match. Once Virat is missing out for a good cause. He is going out so that he comes well prepared for the England Test series. It is always good that he goes there and performs well and he is very keen. He himself wants to do extremely well in English conditions. It is a great opportunity for us to win the series.”
With both Surrey match and the Indian T20I clashing together, which one will Virat choose will be a matter of national debate.
