Virat Kohli: ‘I was told I won’t be the captain and I said okay’

Cloud of uncertainty hovered over Virat Kohli’s participation for the ODI leg of the India tour of South Africa ever since reports emerged that the former skipper has made himself unavailable for the three-match series in mid-January. Various repots did the rounds on Tuesday (December 14) that Kohli has asked for a short break after […]

By Kashish Chadha Dec 15, 2021, 13:58 IST

Virat Kohli: ‘I was told I won’t be the captain and I said okay’

Cloud of uncertainty hovered over Virat Kohli’s participation for the ODI leg of the India tour of South Africa ever since reports emerged that the former skipper has made himself unavailable for the three-match series in mid-January.

Various repots did the rounds on Tuesday (December 14) that Kohli has asked for a short break after the Test matches against the Proteas to be with his family near the first birthday of his daughter.

However, in another report by Cricbuzz, it came to light that there has been no formal request from the batting great to be given a breather. Multiple sources within the board, including some BCCI office-bearers, told Cricbuzz that Kohli will be playing the ODIs in Paarl and Cape Town, starting January 19.

“There is no truth in reports of Virat skipping the ODIs,” said a BCCI functionary privy to the matter. The report also had closed sources informing of Kohli’s commitment to the team for the ODI leg. “He is a totally committed cricketer and there is no doubt about his participation,” the report quoted them saying.

The reports and news of Virat Kohli skipping the South African one-dayers were seen as a form of protest on Kohli’s part in certain section of the Indian fanbase after his controversial removal as the team’s ODI captain.

Virat Kohli boasts of an incredible record as India’s ODI captain.

Virat Kohli clears air on ODI series availability, communication with BCCI on ODI captaincy

But Virat Kohli personally cleared the air on the matter, stating that his availabilty for the ODIs in South Africa was never in doubt.

“I am available for selection for ODI series. As far as I am concered, I was always available,” Kohli told reporters at the customary pre-tour press conference on Wednesday (December 15), thus also dispelling some of the rumours doing the rounds why he might not be available for the selection. “Earlier, it was said that I was at some event, which was not true. All those who are writing and their sources are not credible,” he added.

Kohli then addressed the elephant in the house and respond to queries regarding the back and forth that may have happened between him and the BCCI regarding the ODI captaincy removal. Kohli said he was only communicated about the change post the end of the selection for the Test series against South Africa and that he had absolutely no word with the BCCI prior to that after relinquishing the team’s T20I captaincy.

“At the end of the selection call, I was told I won’t be the captain and I said okay. After the meeting we had a brief chat and that’s it. I was not communicated at all (about the captaincy change),” said Kohli, in complete contrast to the comments made by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly that the captain was communicated with by the selectors and the apex council.

Kohli, however, chose not to sound in disagreement with the removal, saying it was entirely the board’s call. At one point in the presser, he said it was a “logical” move on board’s part, hinting also that the lack of major ICC trophies under his tenure was a big factor. Speaking along those lines, the great batter also yet again quashed rumours of a rift between him and his white-ball captaincy successor Rohit Sharma.

“There is no rift between me and Rohit. I have been saying this for the last two and a half years. I am tired of having to clear this up but there is absolutely no problem between me and Rohit,” said Kohli, adding, “I will never want or do anything that brings the team down in any way possible”.

India tour of South Africa schedule:

1st Test – Centurion (Dec 26 to 30)
2nd Test – Johannesburg (Jan 3-7)
3rd Test – Cape Town (Jan 11-15)

1st ODI – Paarl (Jan 19)
2nd ODI – Paarl (Jan 21)
3rd ODI – Cape Town (Jan 23)

The four-match T20I series originally part of India’s trip will be held at later dates next year. The all-format tour itenerary had to be rejigged after the new Covid-19 variant Omicron led to a delay in India’s departure amidst health security concerns.

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