New year tests

ODI World Cup: Talismanic India batter Virat Kohli, who was leading run-getter of 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and was named Player of the Tournament, is reportedly taking a break from white-ball cricket, but he will be available for the two Tests on the upcoming tour of South Africa.

A report in The Indian Express says Kohli, 35, told the BCCI that he won't be available for white-ball matches on the tour of South Africa, which start off with a three-match T20I series, followed by a three-game ODI series. The tour will end with Boxing Day and New Year Tests at Centurion and Cape Town respectively.

“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. 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,” a source was quoted as saying in the report.