India Tour Of South Africa 2023-24: Virat Kohli To Miss White Ball Matches, Rohit Sharma Participation Unclear - Report

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Senior Team India players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are likely to be unavailable for the six white-ball matches during next month's tour to South Africa, according to a report.

As per a report from Indian Express, the duo, who have been rested from the ongoing T20I series against Australia, are likely to take a longer break following a long schedule that included the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup.

With India vs Australia five-match T20I series reaching it's climax, the national selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar are expected to announce the Indian squads for all three formats in the coming days.

Kohli, who is currently on holiday in London, has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he will not be available for selection for the white-ball games in South Africa, which begins with a T20I on December 10 in Durban.

"He (Kohli) has informed the BCCI and selectors that he needs a break from white-ball cricket and he will get back to them about when he wants to play white ball cricket next," Indian Expresses quoted a source as saying.

The report also adds that Kohli, who finished the ODI World Cup as the player of the tournament thanks to his 765 runs, is expected to be available for selection for the two-match Test series, which starts on Boxing Day.

"At the moment he has informed the BCCI that he will be playing red-ball cricket, which means he is available for selection for the two Test matches in South Africa," the source added.

While Kohli has told BCCI he will not be available for selection, Rohit's availability for the white ball matches is unclear as it stands with the skipper also on a holiday in the United Kingdom.

Rohit and Kohli's white ball future was up for debate following the ICC World Cup 2023 final. The duo were rested in September's home ODI series against Australia, but played the final ODI just before the World Cup.