Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has advised star batter Virat Kohli to participate in all three ODIs against Sri Lanka in their away series. Chopra noted that the Indian team will have a break of about 40 days after this series. Kohli last played for India in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados on June 29, and subsequently announced his retirement from T20Is after the team’s narrow victory over South Africa. He concluded his T20I career with a World Cup win in that format.
Despite speculation that the 35-year-old might skip the Sri Lankan ODI series, new head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged Kohli to be available, given the limited number of ODIs before the Champions Trophy 2025 early next year.
Virat Kohli Should Play – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Virat Kohli should participate in all matches of the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Chopra said that Kohli should play and maintain his form with the next Test match scheduled for September 19.
“Without a doubt, you will see Virat Kohli at the number three. There is no doubt about it. And it should happen. Let him play. He should play. World Cup is over. It’s been a month and a half. Play. Play. Because after this, there is no cricket for 45 days. This series will end on 9th. The next Test match is on 19th September. When you don’t have to play for 40-50 days then whenever India is playing you should play. Kohli at 3,” Chopra said (4:13).
Team India to Play Under Gautam Gambhir’s Coaching
Virat Kohli will look to showcase his enduring skills in ODIs following his retirement from T20Is. The right-handed batsman had a remarkable 2023, scoring 1,377 runs in 27 ODIs and excelling in the ODI World Cup 2023 with 765 runs, earning the Man of the Tournament award.
The upcoming three-match series will be Gautam Gambhir’s first foray into ODI cricket as head coach. India will have just one more ODI series before the Champions Trophy 2025, with a series against England scheduled for February 2025. The team aims to be in peak form to clinch the title in March 2025.
Rohit Sharma will captain India in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, with the opening match set to be played at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, August 2.
