Virat Kohli and Anushka’s stay in South Africa to be special

After taking much-needed rest in the Sri Lanka series, Indian captain Virat Kohli is set to be back in action on January 5th against a full strength Proteas side. Kohli did not feature in both the ODI and the T20I series against the Lankans but the Indian team won comprehensively under Rohit Sharma.

During his time off the field, he got married to his girlfriend and Bollywood stalwart Anushka Sharma. The lovebirds had a private ceremony in Tuscany, Italy after which they threw reception parties in Delhi and Mumbai. The couple had earlier spent their honeymoon in Finland and Anushka is accompanying Kohli for the tour and the couple will spend the new year together.

The first of many

This tour is Kohli’s first after his marriage and India’s first overseas tour after a dominant year at home. While the couple may have planned a few thugs for themselves, CSA is also making efforts to make their stay special.

“We are very happy to host the couple. India and South Africa have always shared special relationship. The year 2018 will serve as a testimony to the ties between the two countries. We haven’t received any special requests from the newlyweds, but we will strive to make their stay a special one,” CSA CEO Thaban Moroe said as the couple landed in South Africa, as reported by Asian Age.

Full strength squad

While the injury to Shikhar Dhawan is a big blow for India, Chris Morris’ fitness is a boost for the Proteas. But it may ease off the team management’s selection headaches as KL Rahul and Murali Vijay will now open for India in the first Test.

The players need to be at their best to have a chance against the full-blooded South African side. The likes of AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn are back into the Test setup that makes the squad look more balanced.

The series is set to start on January 5 with the first Test in Cape Town.