New Zealand vs India: Virat Kohli rested for last two ODIs and T20I series

Team India began their New Zealand tour with a first win in the country against the Kiwis in last 10 years. It was a thumping win by eight wickets for them as they will now look to build on it and win the series as well. The captain Virat Kohli, meanwhile, has been playing continuously since Australia tour which is why the selectors have decided to rest him for the last two One-Day Internationals of the five-match series and also the T20Is that follow.

The BCCI released the statement saying that Rohit Sharma will lead in Kohli’s absence after the third ODI which is set to be played on January 28. Kohli has been rested to manage his workload ahead of the all-important World Cup.

Earlier Jasprit Bumrah was called back from Australia before the ODIs and was also pulled out of the ongoing tour. Interestingly, the replacement hasn’t been named and it remains to be seen if Shubman Gill gets a go for the first time at the highest level.

BCCI’s statement

“India Captain Virat Kohli will be rested for the fourth and fifth ODI against New Zealand and the subsequent T201 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 him to get adequate rest ahead of the home series against Australia. There will be no replacement for Mr. Kohli in the squad for the New Zealand series. Rohit Sharma will captain the side in the final two ODIS and T20I,” the statement read.

Virat Kohli gives his best in almost every game and played every game since landing in Australia. Moreover, his back injury recurs time and again following which the cricketer needs to rest himself after a few matches. This step will surely benefit Team India as the World Cup is the most important event at the moment.

[interaction id=”5c40352ff348525bd9473563″]

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from New Zealand vs India series, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.