There were rumors saying that skipper Virat Kohli is likely to take a break from cricket in December and opt out of 3rd test vs Sri Lanka and as well as subsequent ODI and T20I series. India plays Sri Lanka in 3 tests, 3 ODIS and 3 T20Is starting from November 16.
But now, Chairman of Selectors MSK Prasad has dismissed all the rumors and got it straight that Virat Kohli is available for all 3 tests against Sri Lanka. He might be rested for ODI and T20 against Sri Lanka.
“There is no confusion and Kohli is available for all the three Test matches against Sri Lanka. We will look at resting him after that. He too deserves rest and the rotation policy will be applicable even for the skipper,” MSK Prasad said.
“The team has been picked for the first two matches as of now and the decision was made to name Rahane the deputy. I do not see the reason to speculate whether Rahane has been named deputy because Kohli has made himself unavailable for the third Test,” he told CricketNext.
If Virat Kohli skips the limited overs tour of Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma will take over the reigns of ODI and T20I side. After Sri Lanka series, all eyes will be on South Africa tour.
MSK Prasad said that Ashish Nehra”s spot in the team in his last T20I is uncertain. Nehra announced that the T20I against New Zealand at Delhi on November 1 will be his last.
“Whether he (Nehra) is going to play or not, is clearly the decision of the team management. There are no assurances from our side (selectors), whether he is going to play or not. It will surely be decided by the team management.” Prasad said.
– by Atharva Apte
