India tour of South Africa: Back injury puts Virat Kohli’s participation in ODI series in doubt

After an emphatic win in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion, India’s Test captain Virat Kohli was expected to come out all guns blazing in the second Test as well. However, a back spasm meant that he couldn’t participate in the second of the three-match red-ball series.

Thus, KL Rahul is currently leading India in the ongoing Test between the two teams at the Wanderers, Johannesburg. However, it has now been reported that the 33-year-old might go on to miss the upcoming ODI series as well. According to a report by DNA, his back injury isn’t expected to improve by then, as it’s much severe than expected.

It is to be noted that there were a few reports initially which stated that the batting maestro was all set to skip the ODI series in order to spend time with his family. However, in a press conference before the Test series, Kohli said that he will be available for the ODI series. Unfortunately, his back spasm has put a question mark over his participation in the 50-over series.

While there hasn’t been any official word about the same, it is to be seen if Kohli will feature in the third Test. Besides, had he played the ongoing Test match at the Wanderers, he would have then made his 100th appearance in the longest format of the game in Cape Town.

Nevertheless, the third Test is all set to be played from January 11 to January 15. Meanwhile, the ODI series will commence on January 19. While the first two games will be taking place in Paarl, the third ODI will take place in Cape Town.