Mumbai: India’s Test captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday clarified that he will be playing in the upcoming ODI series in South Africa, putting to rest speculations about his availability and his equations with newly-appointed limited-overs captain Rohit Sharma. “I was available for selection and I am always available for selection,” Kohli said in a press conference ahead of the South African tour. I have never approached BCCI (Indian Cricket Board) for rest. I am available for the ODI series in South Africa and was available earlier as well.”
“This should be asked of those who have written lies. I haven’t had any communication with BCCI on the issue that I want to take rest. There was speculation for the past two days that all is not well between Kohli and Test vice-captain Rohit. Rohit will miss the Test series due to a muscle strain. After Rohit’s exit from the Test series, reports came that Kohli would take a break from the ODI series to spend time with his family.
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This happened after Rohit was handed over the command of the ODI and T20 teams, which was informed by the BCCI in a press release while declaring the Test squad for the series. Kohli had announced before the start of the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates that he would step down as the captain of India’s T20 team after the tournament. On the continuing speculation about this, Kohli said, “Many things that turn out to be not ideal and they are not always what one expects.”
“But you have to understand that there is only so much you can do as a person and we have to do the same things that you as an individual can do in a controlled manner,” he said. I am completely focused and mentally prepared.” India will play a three-Test series against South Africa from December 26, followed by three ODIs. (agency)