Out-of-form Virat Kohli is reportedly set to be a part of India’s squad for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe as he desperately tries to regain his form. India are scheduled to tour Zimbabwe next month for a ODI series.
Kohli has been rested for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against West Indies. Prior to being rested for the West Indies series, he was also rested for the home T20I series against South Africa last month.
Earlier this month, the former India skipper endured a difficult tour of England as he struggled throughout. In the rescheduled Test, he managed to score only 11 and 20 as India lost the game.
His form did not change in the limited-overs format too. Kohli looked like a pale shadow of his usual self too, scoring 1 and 11 in the T20Is. In the succeeding ODI series, he managed to score only 16 and 17.
Virat Kohli to play against Zimbabwe:
With form not on Virat Kohli’s side, the selectors have given him a much-needed break to recharge himself. Kohli will not be taking part in the upcoming ODI and T20Is against West Indies. The Men in Blue will play three ODIs and 5 T20Is against the Caribbean outfit.
The right-handed batsman was widely expected to return to action through next month’s Asia Cup but the selectors reportedly have other ideas. According to Insidesports, the national selectors want Kohli to play the ODI series against Zimbabwe to regain his form.
If Kohli indeed gets selected for the Zimbabwe tour, it will be his first appearance against Zimbabwe since 2015. The selectors are expected to name a second-string side for the tour.
“Hopefully, the break allows him to rejuvenate mentally and get his form back. But without any competitive cricket, it will be difficult and that is why we want him to play against Zimbabwe.
“It’s his preferred format and will help him regain his form before the Asia Cup. We will take a final decision close to the selection,” a member of the selection committee told InsideSport.
The ODI series against Zimbabwe will start on August 18 and finish on August 22, five days before the Asia Cup 2022 is scheduled to start in Sri Lanka.