Kohli’s indefinite break from ODIs, T20Is –

Virat Kohli, the star batsman and former captain of the Indian cricket team, has taken a surprising decision to take a break from the limited-overs formats of the game. He has not informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his plans to return to the T20Is, leaving the board in the dark about his future in the shortest format.

Why did Kohli take a break from T20Is ?

According to reports, Kohli has taken a temporary break from T20Is in order to focus on ODIs and Test cricket. He has been playing continuously since the start of the South Africa tour in December 2021, and has missed only one Test match due to back spasm. He has played two Tests, six ODIs and two T20Is since then, scoring 445 runs in all formats.

Kohli has reportedly told the BCCI that he is unavailable for the T20Is against Sri Lanka, which will begin on January 10, 2023. He will take a brief break from cricket before returning for the ODI series against the same opponents. He has not given any indication of when he will play T20Is again, but it is likely that he will not play any T20s before the IPL 2023.

Kohli’s decision to take a break from T20Is is being seen as a way to manage his workload and mental health, which have been affected by the constant pressure and expectations of leading the Indian team in all formats. He has also faced criticism for his captaincy and batting performances in the recent T20 World Cup, where India failed to qualify for the semi-finals.

“It’s never easy playing continuously with bubbles but when I started playing, this is what I wanted to do,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony after winning the Man of the Match award in the second T20I against West Indies on December 24, 2022.

How will Kohli’s break affect the Indian team ?

Kohli’s break from T20Is will have a significant impact on the Indian team, which is undergoing a major overhaul after the T20 World Cup debacle. The BCCI has named Rohit Sharma as the full-time captain for ODIs and T20Is, replacing Kohli as the ODI captain from the tour of South Africa, which will begin on January 19, 2023. Rohit Sharma will also lead the T20 team in Kohli’s absence, but he is currently nursing a thumb injury and may not be fit for the T20I series against Sri Lanka.

In Kohli’s absence, the selectors will have an opportunity to experiment with new players and combinations for the T20I squad, keeping in mind the next T20 World Cup in 2024. Some of the young players who may get a chance to showcase their talent are Shreyas Iyer, Deepak Hooda and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who have performed well in domestic cricket and IPL. Some of the senior players like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant may also be rested for the T20I series, as they have been given a 10-day break from the bio-bubble after the West Indies series.

“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 BCCI official was quoted as saying by InsideSport.

What will Kohli’s break mean for his legacy?

Kohli’s break from T20Is will also raise questions about his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Kohli has been a prolific run-scorer in all formats, but he has not been able to win any major ICC trophy as a captain or a player. He has also struggled to find his best form in T20Is, averaging only 25.66 in 2021 and 28.50 in 2022.

Kohli has stated that he wants to focus on ODIs and Test cricket, where he has achieved remarkable feats. He is currently the second-highest run-getter in ODIs, with 12,169 runs at an average of 59.07 and 43 centuries. He is also the fourth-highest run-getter in Tests, with 8,238 runs at an average of 51.48 and 27 centuries. He is set to play his landmark 100th Test in Mohali against Sri Lanka on March 4, 2023, and the BCCI wants him to be fit and fresh for the momentous occasion.

Kohli has also expressed his desire to play for India in the 2023 ODI World Cup, which will be held in India. He has said that he wants to win the trophy for the country, which he has not been able to do so far. He has played in three ODI World Cups, reaching the final in 2011, the semi-final in 2015 and 2019, but falling short of the ultimate glory.

“I have decided to step down as the T20 captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October. I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian cricket and the Indian team to the best of my ability. I thank everyone who has supported me in my journey as the captain of the Indian cricket team.

I couldn’t have done it without them – the boys, the support staff, the selection committee, my coaches and each and every Indian who prayed for us to win. Understanding workload is a very important thing and considering my immense workload over the last 8-9 years playing all 3 formats and captaining regularly for last 5-6 years, I feel I need to give myself space to be fully ready to lead the Indian team in Test and ODI cricket. I have given everything to the team during my time as T20 captain and I will continue to do so for the T20 team as a batsman moving forward. Of course, arriving at this decision took a lot of time.

After a lot of contemplation and discussions with my close people, Ravi bhai and also Rohit, who have been an essential part of the leadership group, I’ve decided to step down as the T20 captain after this T20 World Cup in Dubai in October. I have also spoken to the secretary Mr Jay Shah and the President of BCCI Mr Sourav Ganguly along with all the selectors about the same. I will continue to serve Indian cricket and the Indian team to the best of my ability,” Kohli had said in a statement on September 16, 2021.

Kohli’s break from T20Is may be a temporary or a permanent one, depending on his personal and professional goals. He may return to the format in the future, or he may choose to focus on the longer formats of the game. Whatever he decides, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest batsmen and captains of all time, who has inspired millions of fans with his passion, dedication and excellence.

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