(AFP Photo)
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are expected to skip the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka to rest ahead of a busy Test season at home, according to PTI reports. Both players, who retired from T20Is recently, have requested a break from BCCI following an intense schedule starting from the IPL three months ago.
Rohit, 37, has been continuously active for nearly six months, participating in series since the South Africa Test series in December-January, followed by Afghanistan T20Is, the England Test series, IPL, and the recently-concluded T20 World Cup.
“Both are automatic choices in ODI set up and the three 50-over games against England before the Champions Trophy is good enough practice for them. For next few months, they both will prioritize Tests and India will play 10 of them between September to January,” a source was quoted as saying by the news agency.
India’s cricket schedule includes 2 Tests against Bangladesh, followed by 3 against New Zealand, leading up to the highly anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, featuring 5 Tests later this year. Both selectors and senior players are keen on managing their workload effectively during this packed season.
“The Champions Trophy will happen in mid-February and they don’t need to go for a week-long 3-match ODIs in Sri Lanka. If they want, they are most welcome but I guess they would want rest,” the source added.
With Rohit Sharma potentially unavailable, Hardik Pandya appears to be the frontrunner for the role, although KL Rahul, who previously captained the ODI squad in South Africa, remains a viable option.
