SA vs IND: The men in blue are preparing themselves for a huge tour of South Africa. India will be playing against South Africa for three ODI’s and three test matches.
The tour was scheduled to start on December 16 but the emergence of the new COVID-19 variant has delayed the start. A new variant named Omicron has been making its way into South Africa.
However, the early studies and research suggest that it is not very dangerous as it was perceived. Hence, the BCCI has gone on to decide that team India will be touring South Africa in a week.
But due to the delaying of schedule and India’s tight schedule. The BCCI and Cricket South Africa went on to scrap the T20 series. Moreover, the T20 is more relevant because of the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.
However, the upcoming test series against South Africa will be a huge opportunity for team India. It is because the men in blue have never won a Test series in South Africa against the greens.
The Proteas have gone on to highly dominate against the Indian team in test cricket in South Africa. But given India’s current form and skillset in test cricket, they are the favourites to clinch their first test series win in South Africa against the greens.
SA vs IND: Virat Kohli will play the ODI series says a BCCI official
There have been constant rumours revolving around Virat Kohli’s availability in the upcoming ODI series. The RCB player is unhappy with how the BCCI went on to hand over the ODI captaincy to Rohit Sharma.
And according to previous reports, Virat Kohli will pull out of the ODI series. The official reason behind the pullout will be taking a rest and spending time with family.
However, things are looking to be changed after Rohit Sharma is likely to not feature in the South Africa tour. It is because the Mumbai Indians captain went on to suffer a hamstring injury while practising in his hometown.
A BCCI official said, “As of now, Kohli hasn’t sent any formal request to skip the ODIs to either BCCI president Sourav Ganguly or secretary Jay Shah. If something is decided at a later date or God forbid, he sustains an injury, then it’s a different matter.”
He further added, “As things stand today, he is playing the three ODIs on January 19, 21, 23. The skipper is travelling with his family. But yes, if he feels bubble fatigue after the Test series and wants to take a break, he would inform the chairman of selectors.“
However, it would be brilliant if Virat Kohli plays the ODI series. Because the Indian team needs him in the absence of Rohit Sharma.