In a surprising move, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has decided to step away from white-ball cricket until March 2024, citing the need for a break. This decision follows Kohli’s absence from the recent five-match T20I International series against Australia, which came on the heels of India’s World Cup final disappointment.
The 35-year-old batsman, considered one of the best in the world, conveyed his decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), without specifying a definite timeline for his return to white-ball cricket. The Indian Express reported that Kohli expressed his desire for a hiatus and assured the BCCI and selectors that he would communicate his plans regarding his white-ball cricket comeback in due course.
While Kohli takes a break from limited-overs cricket, he remains available for Test matches. India’s next white-ball assignment is the three-match T20I International and One Day International series scheduled in South Africa. The first Test of the two-match series against the Proteas is set to commence on Boxing Day, December 26.
Following the South Africa Test series, India is slated to host Afghanistan for three T20I Internationals, starting January 11. Given the expected conclusion of the second Test against South Africa on January 7, Kohli is likely to miss the T20I series against Afghanistan.
Notably, there are no white-ball series on India’s schedule after the Afghanistan T20s, as they gear up to host England for a five-match series running until March 11. With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 likely to kick off at the end of March, fans might have to wait until the IPL for Kohli’s return to white-ball cricket in Indian colors.