Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli are expected to be rested for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August.
For the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August, India’s top batsman Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma are probably going to be rested, with Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul taking charge of the team. Jasprit Bumrah, the pacer for India, is also probably going to take a vacation from the ODI series. A lengthy sabbatical from the BCCI has reportedly been requested by the top names in Indian cricket today, given the demanding three months that have passed since the IPL opener. It’s been over six months since Rohit, 37, had a vacation.
The Mumbaikar has played every series since the South Africa Test series in December-January, including Afghanistan T20Is, England Test series, IPL, and the just concluded T20 World Cup.
“Both are automatic inclusions in the ODI squad, and the three 50-over games against England before the Champions Trophy provide ample experience for both. For the next several months, they will both prioritize Tests, with India playing ten of them between September and January,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
India will play two Tests against Bangladesh, three against New Zealand, and the huge five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia Down Under.
It is acknowledged that both selects and seniors want to manage their workloads well.
“The Champions Trophy will be held in mid-February, therefore they will not be required to travel to Sri Lanka for a week-long three-match ODI series. If they want, they are welcome, but I assume they would want to rest,” the insider stated.
In Rohit’s absence, Pandya appears to be the most likely option, but KL Rahul, who captained the ODI squad in South Africa, cannot be ruled out.
