Virat Kohli to take break from T20Is, aims to focus on ODIs and Test

[rollingstoned]

SHOCKING - Virat Kohli to take break from T20Is, aims to focus on ODIs and Test - Check Details 

 

Kohli's absence will make it simpler for the selectors as they concentrate on creating a team for the T20 World Cup in 2024.

 

Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli is temporarily taking a break from T20Is to concentrate on ODIs and Test cricket. He hasn't told the BCCI when he plans to return to T20Is, but will not play any T20s before the IPL 2023. Kohli will take a brief break after his tour of Bangladesh before returning for the ODI series. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma will also be absent in addition to Kohli. The T20 team will be captained by Hardik Pandya. Rohit, who has a broken thumb, is battling against time to be ready for the ODIs that begin on January 10.

 

“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.

Kohli's absence will make it simpler for the selectors as they concentrate on creating a team for the T20 World Cup in 2024. India is considering a T20 Reboot as many seniors, including captain Rohit Sharma, are expected to be fired. The 2024 World Cup selection committee will experiment with younger players.

Despite being in peak physical condition, Kohli, 34, wants to control his workload. He still has aspirations to compete in the 2024 World Cup, but he will concentrate more on the longer formats. He will, however, continue to play T20 in the IPL. India will play 6 T20 matches with a youthful lineup prior to the IPL.

The thumb injury Rohit sustained during IND vs BAN's second ODI is still bothering him. The BCCI wants to avoid taking any chances because of the upcoming Australia series in February. The medical staff will evaluate any injuries. Only if he is 100% will he come back.

[wanted_desi]

No Word on Dhawan. Did they forget about his performances? 

[Vijy]

so... he wants to step back from the only format where he has done decently in recent times, and focus more on his worst format (tests)

[Chakdephatte]

Good if he is willingly doing it. But why not retire then; if he really wants to focus on other formats.

[rollingstoned]

12 minutes ago, Vijy said:

so... he wants to step back from the only format where he has done decently in recent times, and focus more on his worst format (tests)

He has earned enough credit for that knock against Pakistan -  not unfairly imo - to carry on for 2 more years at least. Most likely this will only be until the next t20 WC is around the corner by which time he will make himself available again. It would be a bigger splash if it was a retirement announcement. 

[zen]

First causality of the T20WC debacle … though Rohit is still mum 

[Nash]

Good.  His approach of batting is suitable for ODI and test.   

[Vijy]

19 minutes ago, zen said:

First causality of the T20WC debacle … though Rohit is still mum 

rohit won't budge until he is kicked out. and kicking him out is hard thanks to his large belly that serves as ballast

[LordPrabhzy]

1 hour ago, Vijy said:

so... he wants to step back from the only format where he has done decently in recent times, and focus more on his worst format (tests)

if he isnt bothered about playing first class matches either Ranji or county then what is the benefit to the Indian team

[wanted_desi]

He will have enough breaks in BGT trophy as he will not score single 50. 

[nevada]

50 minutes ago, zen said:

First causality of the T20WC debacle … though Rohit is still mum 

Not a casualty unless proven otherwise! He can easily make himself "available" right before the next T20 WC and walk in to the team. The selectors will happily give him a "farewell" opprotunity. Rohit is being replaced for LOI captaincy, if recent news reports are to be believed. Frankly, his time as an international cricketer seems to be drawing to a close.  At 36 years of age next month, with weight and recurring injury issues, there is no saying how long he will last. He might follow his buddy Pollard's example and just call it quits.

[nevada]

25 minutes ago, LordPrabhzy said:

if he isnt bothered about playing first class matches either Ranji or county then what is the benefit to the Indian team

Binny is insisting on "resting" players playing Ranji instead of sitting at home. SKY played a Ranji game recently, and probably a couple of others as well. Hopefully he will insist on Kohli doing the same.

[Number]

Hope Kela, Rohurt, Chahal, Bhuvi, Pant do the same. 

[putrevus]

Whiteball cricket was not his issue. Still he should retire from t20s.He had his chances and more now let other people take it forward.He is finished in test cricket.If he wants to play test cricke.For that to happen he needs to go and play Ranji. He should have been playing for Delhi right now.He did not do anything in Bangladesh for him to rest.

[javier26]

That innings against Pakistan was a curse..it did nothing towards winning the tournament but has made sure Virat can milk it for years to come. He would have been most likely dropped from the T20s or taken retirement if not for that innings, now he has earned the luxury to skip matches, have vacations and get himself included in the T20 Side whenever the T20 WC arrives.

Edited December 27, 2022 by javier26

[javier26]

What can he offer to the Indian T20 side ? How are innings of 50(40*) any useful that a 35 year old shall continue to be part of contention for the T20 WC if and when he decides ?

 

He offers nothing to the T20 Side and should just take retirement. 

 

He should also retire from Tests after Border Gavaskar Series and from Odis after the 2023 WC. 

[nevada]

4 minutes ago, javier26 said:

That innings against Pakistan was a curse..it did nothing towards winning the tournament but has made sure Virat can milk it for years to come. He would have been most likely dropped from the T20s or taken retirement if not for that innings, now he has earned the luxury to skips matches, have vacations and get himself included in the T20 Side whenever the T20 WC arrives.

In the game also, he didn't actually finish the job in the last over. He got clean bowled in the free hit ball and didn't have any further part in the game as a batsman. If not for Ashwin's well left, Kohli's innings would have ended up as another tragic one. 

[Serpico]

Just like how he let go of T20 captaincy to save his test cap, he's trying to save his test spot now by letting go of T20 spot. Hopefully the selectors are ruthless 

[nevada]

6 minutes ago, javier26 said:

What can he offer to the Indian T20 side ? How are innings of 50(40*) any useful that a 35 year old shall continue to be part of contention for the T20 WC if and when he decides ?

 

He offers nothing to the T20 Side and should just take retirement. 

 

He should also retire from Tests after Border Gavaskar Series and from Odis after the 2023 WC. 

The problem is, 50(40) looks like a million bucks when the rest of the batting folds like a cheap tent. It's time to fire all the old, scared bozos and fill the team with new players for T20 format. 

[nevada]

5 minutes ago, Serpico said:

Just like how he let go of T20 captaincy to save his test cap, he's trying to save his test spot now by letting go of T20 spot. Hopefully the selectors are ruthless 

Very valid point. He tried to act smart, insisting that he will continue to captain India in ODIs and Tests, as if it is his choice! The selectors should drop him from tests, as they have done in the case of Pujara and Rahane. Pujara has gone to County cricket where he had a good amount of success. Let Kohli also do the same or play Ranji like Rahane and earn his place back in the side.