Indian skipper Virat Kohli is expected to be rested from the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh. The Delhi player has played 48 of the 56 games that India has played since last October, and has been on the road since the IPL this year. After a gruelling IPL, he captained India in the World Cup, after which the national team went on a tour of West Indies. They are currently playing a Test series against South Africa. Kohli last took a break in January this year when he rested himself for the last two ODIs and the three-match T20Is against New Zealand.
According to a source, it has been confirmed that Kohli will be rested. “Yes, he will be skipping the T20 series as he has been playing non-stop and needs a break considering that he has been part of the Australia series, the IPL, the World Cup, the tour of West Indies and now the series against South Africa. Managing the workload of the players, especially those playing all formats, is something that is a priority with this team to ensure that the players are fresh and on the top of their game at all times,” the source said.
However, Kohli will return for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. “Yes, he will be back for the Tests,” the source informed. The Indian captain has always rallied behind the longest format of the game, and recently, spoke about his love for the same. “It’s been nice, but looking at the larger picture, the Test Championship, every game has even more value. We’re not going to take the foot off the gas in the third Test, we’re looking for a result again, and hopefully make it 3-0. Because these points are important, we understand that, with the Test Championship it’s going to be very crucial, at all the stages, when we play away from home as well. And no one’s going to relax at any stage, that’s a guarantee.”
The Indian selectors will meet on October 24 to select the squad for the T20Is against Bangladesh. MS Dhoni, who has not played a game for the country since the World Cup 2019 semis loss is likely to not be picked again.