Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has returned to the Indian cricket team squad in South Africa and is expected to be ready for the first Test starting on December 26 in Centurion.
Reason For Virat Kohli’s Sudden Leave Revealed
According to a News18 report, Kohli had planned and communicated in advance to the team management about being in London during the break. A senior BCCI official mentioned that Kohli’s absence from the intra-squad practice matches was due to his pre-planned trip to London before the first Test against South Africa.
“Virat Kohli wasn’t going to play that game. The team management was aware of his plan and schedule, and it isn’t something which happened overnight or due to a family emergency. Look at the player in question, it’s Virat Kohli. He is very well planned when it comes to these things and his London trip was communicated and planned well in advance,” a senior BCCI official was quoted by News18.
The BCCI official also disclosed that Kohli had several training sessions with the team before departing for London on December 19. Upon rejoining the squad in Centurion, he is expected to resume practice sessions.
The official added: “Kohli left India for South Africa on December 15. Had good 3-4 training sessions before he went to London on December 19. For the next few days, he was in London and has now linked up with the Test squad and will in all likelihood train in Centurion tomorrow,”
Shukri Conrad Gave Rabada Warning To Team India
Meanwhile, South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad is confident that India won’t conquer the ‘Final Frontier’ in Test history. This comes despite key pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi participating in practice sessions ahead of the ‘Boxing Day’ Test.
Rabada rested for a heel niggle, Ngidi withdrew due to a left ankle injury before T20Is. On Saturday, both actively bowled at the Supersport Park. Facing them was Dean Elgar in his final series. The Centurion track favors pacers, and the coach anticipates a strong performance from his pacers.
“They will be fresh and firing (Rabada and Ngidi). I am always a firm believer of freshness,” said Conrad
The coach added: “It would be have been ideal had they got some mileage in the legs by playing First-Class matches but that’s life. You have got to find a way. But I am not bothered that they will be undercooked for the game.”
“KG (Rabada) and Lungi are still in the 15-member squad and available for selection. We will make that decision tomorrow. Hopefully, tomorrow morning we will have a full squad of 15 to select from,”
