Virat Kohli has rejoined the Indian squad ahead of the first Test against South Africa in Centurion on December 26, contradicting previous reports suggesting he left due to a family emergency.
Despite earlier reports suggesting a family emergency, Virat Kohli’s presence in London for a brief period was planned, and both the BCCI and team management were informed about his travel arrangements and his absence from the inter-squad game held from December 20 to December 22.
A senior BCCI official, as reported by News18, stated:
“Virat Kohli wasn’t going to play that game. The team management was aware of his plan and schedule, and it isn’t something which happened overnight or due to a family emergency.”
”Look at the player in question, it’s Virat Kohli. He is very well planned when it comes to these things and his London trip was communicated and planned well in advance.”
The official added: “Kohli left India for South Africa on December 15. Had good 3-4 training sessions before he went to London on December 19. For the next few days, he was in London and has now linked up with the Test squad and will in all likelihood train in Centurion tomorrow.”
Kohli was last in action during India’s 2023 World Cup final loss to Australia in Ahmedabad. He was rested for the South African white-ball leg before rejoining the Test squad.
India to face a challenging Test series in South Africa
India will face a tough challenge in the upcoming Test series in South Africa, aiming to secure their first-ever series win on South African soil. The absence of players like Mohammed Shami, Ishan Kishan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad adds to the challenges for the Indian team.
India came close to clinching their first series win in South Africa during the 2021/22 tour, holding a 1-0 lead and being in a strong position in the second Test. Yet, Dean Elgar’s outstanding fourth-innings innings of 96* in Johannesburg denied India the series victory, resulting in a 2-1 win for the hosts.
In total, South Africa has secured victory in 12 out of 23 Tests at home against India, suffering only four defeats, while seven matches concluded in a draw. After the initial Test in Centurion, the second and final match is scheduled to take place in Cape Town, commencing on January 3.
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