India captain Virat Kohli will be rested after the third ODI in New Zealand as part of his workload management.
Kohli has been taking rest during limited overs matches in order to remain fresh for bigger challenges like Test matches. The India skipper played the entire four-Test Test and three-ODI series in Australia and led India to a comfortable win in the first ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday.
After India eased to an eight wicket win in Napier, the BCCI announced that Kohli will be rested for the last two ODIs and the entire T20 series.
“Considering his workload in the last few months, the team management and senior selection committee is of the view that it would be ideal for Kohli to get adequate rest ahead of the home series against Australia,” the BCCI statement said.
“There will be no replacement in the squad for the New Zealand series. Rohit Sharma will captain the side in the final two ODIs and T20I series.”
With Kohli to be rested, it looks like up and coming batting sensation Shubman Gill will get an opportunity to make his mark at the international level.
India had already rested premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah for the tour while Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul remain suspended. In the absence of Kohli, India’s squad will be be weakened considerably.
