'Substantiates speculation about rift' - Mohammad Azharuddin on timing of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma's breaks

Former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin said that Virat Kohli pulling out of the ODI series in South Africa has added to fuel to fire in the speculations of his rift with Rohit Sharma. India’s tour of the African nation gets underway on December 26 with the opening Test at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. The ODI series will start on January 19 after the red-ball matches end.

As per sources, the 33-year-old Kohli has opted out of the ODIs due to “personal reasons”. It’s pertinent to note that he hasn’t played in the format since March 2021. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release an official statement on Kohli’s unavailability.

Azharuddin, one of India’s greatest captains, reckoned that the Delhi-born Kohli and Rohit should have planned their breaks a little better.

Azharuddin took to Twitter and wrote, “Virat Kohli has informed that he’s not available for the ODI series & Rohit Sharma is unavailable for 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 will be giving up d other form of cricket.”

Reports of rift between Rohit and Virat have doing the rounds for over two years. However, the duo has kept performing for Team India across formats and are among the leading run-scorers for them.

Mohammad Azharuddin’s tweet

As far as Rohit is concerned, he has been ruled out of the Test series due to a hamstring injury that he sustained during a practice session. The Nagpur-born Rohit wasn’t a part of the two-match Test series against New Zealand as well. Priyank Panchal has replaced him for the red-ball games.

“Team India Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma sustained a left hamstring injury during his training session here in Mumbai yesterday. He has been ruled out of the upcoming 3-match Test series against South Africa. Priyank Panchal will replace Rohit Sharma in the Test squad,” the BCCI tweeted.

In Rohit’s absence, Mayank Agarwal and Shubman Gill are most likely to open the batting. Panchal, in the meantime, was impressive in the unofficial Tests against South Africa A at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.