Kohli & Rohit Sharma Unlikely to Play South Africa A Series

Veteran Indian batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are unlikely to feature in the upcoming three-match white-ball series for India A against South Africa A, scheduled for 13, 16 and 19 November 2025 in Rajkot. According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the squad soon, and both players are reported to be excluded under a planned strategy for the series. 

The decision comes after both batters played in India’s ODI series loss to Australia, where Kohli recovered from two early ducks to make a 74* in the final match, and Rohit scored 73 and an unbeaten 121 in the series. Their recent form and workload management appear to have influenced the selectors’ approach. 

Selectors are believed to be viewing the South Africa A series as an opportunity to give younger players exposure while resting senior members. It is anticipated that Kohli and Rohit will return for India’s full senior side in the later eight-match white-ball tour against South Africa, where their inclusion is expected to be confirmed. 

For both Kohli and Rohit, who have been cornerstones of Indian limited-overs batting for more than a decade, this selection pause could be part of long-term workload management ahead of major international engagements. Analysts suggest that while they sit out this particular series, their roles in the senior squad remain intact.

With India A now focusing on building bench strength, the absence of the senior duo opens doors for emerging talent and shifts the narrative towards next-generation players in Indian white-ball cricket.

At GulfRepost.com, we combine speed, accuracy, and credibility to deliver trusted Gulf news on business, lifestyle, technology, travel, and culture. With our finger on the Gulf’s pulse, we help you stay informed on every headline shaping the region’s future.