Last Updated on 4 years ago by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Will Virat Kohli tour Zimbabwe for the ODI series? | Virat Kohli a chance of touring Zimbabwe in August

Indian selectors want Virat Kohli to play the three-match One Day International (ODI) series in Zimbabwe next month in order to regain form prior to the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup later this year.

Kohli will not be touring the Caribbean for the upcoming T20I and ODI series but his break might be cut short with the ODIs vs Zimbabwe beginning from 18^th August.

“Hopefully, the break allows him to rejuvenate mentally and get his form back. But without any competitive cricket, it will be difficult and that is why we want him to play against Zimbabwe,” a member from the selection committee was quoted in a report by Inside Sport.

He added, “It’s his preferred format and will help him regain his form before the Asia Cup. We will take a final decision close to the selection.”

Kohli could play in Zimbabwe before Asia Cup

As per the aforementioned report, Kohli will be on a break with his family in London. He will be resuming practice from 1^st August to prepare for the Asia Cup that is scheduled to be held from 27^th August-11^th September possibly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

However, the selectors want him to feature in the Zimbabwe series in order to ensure that he rediscovers his mojo in the run-up to the World T20 Down Under.

There is merely a five-day gap between the conclusion of the Zimbabwe tour and the commencement of the Asia Cup. Accordingly, several senior players are expected to be rested for the former with Shikhar Dhawan likely to lead the team. 

Kohli averages 21.88 with a strike rate of 74.47 in eight ODIs in 2022. He had a rather indifferent Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign as well as the 33-year-old averaged merely 22.73 at a strike rate of 115.99 across 16 games in 2022.

The Indian team is likely to step up the gear with respect to its preparations for the World T20 at around the time of the Asia Cup. Hence, it appears that the selectors are determined for Kohli to get back to his original touch with the bat before the tournament. An arguably low-profile series vs Zimbabwe might offer him the perfect platform to do so as well.

India’s tour of Zimbabwe (Schedule)

1^st ODI: 18^th August, Harare Sports Club

2^nd ODI: 20^th August, Harare Sports Club

3^rd ODI: 22^nd August, Harare Sports Club