Former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin opined on the reports of Virat Kohli wanting to miss the ODI series in South Africa and the confirmation on Rohit Sharma missing the Test series as well and said that the lack of clarity over the issue just substantiates the rumors of rift between the two.
Virat Kohli, as per reports of Times of India, has informed the BCCI that he wants a break after the three-match Test series in South Africa and is looking to skip the three ODIs as he wants to plan a holiday to celebrate daughter Vamika’s first birthday with his family.
"Virat Kohli has informed us that he'll not be available for the ODI series. He wants to spend time with his family - don't read into social media rumors too much, there is nothing between Virat and Rohit", a BCCI official had told News 9.
"No rift between Rohit and Virat," says BCCI official on Virat Kohli's decision to skip ODI series
On the other hand, Rohit Sharma Rohit sustained a hamstring injury while practicing at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai and has been ruled out of the three-match Test series, with BCCI naming Priyank Panchal as his replacement.
However, the BCCI is sure that he will get fit in time for the ODI series in South Africa.
Mohammed Azharuddin, who is the only Indian captain to lead the side in three World Cup tournaments, was not happy with the two senior cricketers over the lack of clarity with respect to the availability.
He further mentioned that while there is no harm in taking a break from the game, but the timing has to be better. He further said that such ambiguity leads to the substantiation of the rumored rift between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
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He tweeted: “Virat Kohli has informed that he's not available for the ODI series & Rohit Sharma is unavailable fr d upcoming test. There is no harm in takin a break but d timing has to be better. This just substantiates speculation abt d rift. Neither wil be giving up d other form of cricket.”
