Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma unlikely to take part in ODI series against South Africa

India will be taking on Australia in the T20I series from the 23rd of November. Soon after the completion of the series, India will be heading towards South Africa for an all-format tour. India will be playing 3 T20Is and ODIs each in the series, along with two important Tests. The squad for the series against Australia is out and the first match will be starting in Vishakhapatnam.

All three limited-overs series are unlikely to feature Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, which is sad news for fans. The two senior cricketers have reportedly asked for a rest of about a month after the tiring season of cricket that started in September and lasted till the 19th of November. The two experienced cricketers are likely to return for the Test series against South Africa.

Suryakumar Yadav has been leading India in the absence of Hardik Pandya in the T20I series. The All-rounder suffered an ankle injury in the ODI World Cup 2023 while playing against Bangladesh. Virat and Rohit have not featured in a T20I match since the semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2022. The trend is likely to continue shortly, as India is picking a young squad in T20Is these days.

Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul likely to lead India

The Indian management, however, has left it to the individuals themselves to decide on their future in the shorter formats. The decision of the seniors is yet to be seen. For the series against South Africa, Hardik is unlikely to return. In that case, Suryakumar Yadav is likely to continue as the captain of India in the T20Is. Hardik is unlikely to play international cricket anytime soon.

In ODIs, KL Rahul is likely to lead India, as Rohit has asked for the leave. Even in the ODI World Cup 2023, Rahul was named the vice-captain of the team in the absence of Hardik. Rahul would be aware of India’s record in South Africa the last time they toured. In the series, India suffered a clean sweep of 0-3 under the captaincy of the wicketkeeper batter.