Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli is set to rejoin the national team in South Africa, gearing up for the inaugural Test match scheduled to kick off on December 26 in Centurion. A recent report from News18 sheds light on the reason behind Kohli’s temporary departure.

During his absence, Kohli was in London, a pre-planned trip that had been communicated well in advance to the team management. Contrary to speculation, the decision was not abrupt, as a senior BCCI official clarified:

“Look at the player in question, it’s Virat Kohli. He is very well planned when it comes to these things, and his London trip was communicated and planned well in advance.”

Officials further revealed that Kohli had engaged in multiple training sessions with the team before departing for London on December 15. After his return, he is expected to resume practice upon joining the team in Centurion. The absence of Kohli from the intra-squad practice matches was a strategic move, ensuring his optimal preparation for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, expressed confidence that India would face a formidable challenge despite its frontline pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi returning to action. Both Rabada and Ngidi, having overcome minor setbacks, were seen in full swing during the training sessions.

Conrad acknowledged the importance of freshness in his pacers, stating,

“They will be fresh and firing. I am always a firm believer in freshness.”

Although Rabada and Ngidi may lack recent match practice, Conrad remains unfazed, expressing optimism about their readiness for the game.

As the ‘Boxing Day’ Test approaches, the South African coach anticipates having a full squad of 15 to choose from, emphasizing the potential impact of his lethal bowling duo in challenging India on the pacer-friendly Centurion track.