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After an abrupt end to Virat Kohli’s tenure as ODI captain, there have been rumours that he may opt out from ODI series in South Africa. A source close to the development has told Sports Tak that so far no such decision has been taken. However, if Kohli is willing to do it after getting sacked as captain in the format, it will be “his own call”.
There is no such communication yet but if he is not willing or thinking of making himself unavailable for selection then it will be his own call. The selectors will look into it. The board has no role to play in this matter,” the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) source said.
Like BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, the source also confirmed that the decision was taken by the selection committee and Kohli was informed about it.
The source also revealed that the captaincy of ODI format has been discussed many times before and the decision to make Rohit Sharma the white-ball captain has not been taken overnight.
“Team management was clear about captain whether it is for red-ball or white-ball cricket. Selectors had many rounds of talks with officials and also with players which was followed by the final call,” the source further added.
In a recent interview with ANI, Ganguly had revealed that he and BCCI had urged Kohli to not give up T20I captaincy but the skipper did not agree. Also, the board and selectors wanted the same captain in both white-ball formats which led to the decision.
India will play their first ODI series under the leadership of Rohit on South Africa tour starting January 19, 2022. So far, Rohit has captained India in 10 games and the team has won eight out them. Under the 34-year-old India will play their first major 50-over ICC tournament in 2023 when they host the ODI World Cup.
