Virat Kohli opts out from Sri Lanka T20I series, will play ODIs - Reports

Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

India’s squad for the T20I series against Sri Lanka is expected to be announced on Tuesday late in the evening. According to a report in Insidesport, Virat Kohli is set to miss the squad as he’s taking a temporary break from T20s and will focus on ODIs and Tests. While he has not informed the Indian Cricket Board about the timeframe of his return to T20Is, he may not play any T20s before the Indian T20 League 2023.

After returning from the Bangladesh tour, Kohli will take a short vacation before returning for the ODI series. Along with Kohli, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma will also miss out from the series with Hardik Pandya set to lead the ‘Men-in-Blue’.

Rohit who is recovering from his fractured thumb is racing against time to be fit for the ODIs starting January 10 while KL Rahul has taken a personal leave for his wedding. The squad announcement will be done either today evening or tomorrow. The selection meeting is today.

“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 Indian Cricket Board was quoted as saying by InsideSport.

Indian Cricket Board to revamp Indian Side before 2024 20-20 World Cup

The Indian Cricket Board is looking to revamp the T20I side after the 20-20 World Cup 2022 debacle. Kohli’s absence will make things easier for the selection committee to include youngsters into the squad as they prepare a roadmap for the 2024 20-20 World Cup. While Kohli is not out of the scheme of things for the next World Cup, he will be focussing on the longer formats.

India and Sri Lanka will play a three-match T20I series starting on 3^rd January at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The ODI series will begin on 10^th January at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.