Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play for India A in one-days against South Africa A?

Will Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma play for India A in one-days against South Africa A?. (Photo source: ICC)

Indian veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are unlikely to feature in the three-match white-ball series against the touring South Africa A side. India A will be up against the visitors to play the one-day games in Rajkot on November 13, 16, and 19, with all of them being day-night encounters, but the two senior cricketers, who now play only in the ODI format internationally, are not expected to be part of this squad.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the India A squad in the coming days. However, it is understood that the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has specific plans for the series and does not intend to include the two veterans, according to the latest Cricbuzz report doing the rounds in the media.

Rohit and Kohli, who have led India across formats, recently featured in the three-match ODI series in Australia, where both delivered impressive performances. Rohit was named Player of the Series after scores of 73 and an unbeaten 121 following a low first outing. Kohli, meanwhile, bounced back from two early ducks to finish the series with an unbeaten 74 in the final ODI.

Currently, India A are engaged in a two-match red-ball series against South Africa A at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The Rishabh Pant-led side won the first four-day game, which concluded on November 2, and the second match begins on Thursday, November 6, to be played at the same venue.

The Indian selectors are expected to meet soon to finalize the squads for both the two-Test series against Temba Bavuma’s South Africa and the India A matches. The Test squad is likely to remain unchanged from the West Indies series, with Rishabh Pant replacing N. Jagadeesan.

The two Tests against South Africa, the defending World Test Championship winners, will be played in Kolkata from November 14 to 18, and in Guwahati from November 22 to 26. The red-ball series will be followed by eight white-ball matches, including three ODIs, for which Rohit and Kohli are expected to return.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.