Kohli to focus on ODIs & Tests in 2023

Ace Indian batsman Virat Kohli is temporarily taking a break from the T20 Internationals to focus more on ODIs and Test Cricket. He has not informed the Indian Cricket Board about when is he planning to return to the T20I circuit, but it is almost certain that he will not play in the shortest format before the Indian T20 League 2023. Kohli will be on a momentary leave after the tour of Bangladesh and will return before the ODI series. Skipper Rohit Sharma and keeper-batsman KL Rahul will also be absent in addition to Kohli. Hardik Pandya will return to the skipper’s role in Rohit’s absence. In the meantime, Rohit will be resting and possibly hope to make a comeback before the ODI series beginning on January 10, 2023. 

“Yes, Virat has announced that 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 Indian Cricket Board official told said.

In absence of two senior regular players, it will be easy for the selectors as they can now concentrate on creating a team with potential new talents from the domestic circuit. Indian Cricket Board is considering a reboot in the T20 circuit after the change of the selection committee and includes big changes such as Rohit Sharma getting fired as the captain of the side. The new selection committee is expected to experiment more with younger players. 

34-year-old Kohli being in his peak physical condition wants to have control over his work pressure and hence has taken this decision. He still has the ambition to compete in the 2024 World Championship, but now wants to focus more on the longer formats. However, he will participate in the Indian T20 League this year. Team India will play 6 T20 matches with a young lineup preceding to the league.