Picture Credit: BCCI
Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli may miss the ODI series against South Africa starting from January 19 with the back injury that ruled him out of the second Test. Kohli was unavailable for selection for the second Test with an upper back spasm and was replaced by Hanuma Vihari in the Playing XI.
A recent report in PTI has claimed that Kohli may skip the whole series following his back injury. Interestingly, KL Rahul had hinted that Kohli will be back in time for the third and last Test. When Rahul was asked about Kohli’s injury, the stand-in captain had said, “He is having an upper back spasm and the physios are on him. Hopefully he will recover in time for the next Test”.
A few reports had also claimed that Virat Kohli had sought permission from the BCCI to miss the ODI series because of his daughter’s birthday. Talks around a rift between then vice-captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were also doing rounds. However, the Delhi batter had dismissed all such claims saying everything is fine between the two players and he is ‘tired’ of saying it again and again.
KL Rahul to captain India in absence of Rohit Sharma
India has already been handed a blow in the form of Rohit Sharma missing out on the three-match ODI series due to an injury. KL Rahul has been handed over the responsibility to lead the Men in Blue in Rohit’s absence. If Virat Kohli too keeps himself out, it may get challenging for India to beat South Africa at their home.
On India’s 2017-18 tour to South Africa, Virat Kohli was the highest scorer for India. He had aggregated 552 runs in six games with three centuries. It helped India beat South Africa 5-1 and win their maiden bilateral series in South Africa.