Hardik Pandya or this veteran batter to replace Rohit Sharma as India captain for Sri Lanka ODIs

India captain Rohit Sharma is all set to be rested for the upcoming ODI series against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team. As per the reports in the PTI, it is learned that due to the hectic schedule, the skipper has been asked to take some time off.

India will be touring Sri Lanka for the three ODIs and three T20Is. With Rohit Sharma all set to be rested for the 50-over format, the question remains who will be leading the team in his absence? The reports claimed that all-rounder Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul are in contention to take the role.

Hardik Pandya is currently the vice-captain of the Indian team in the white-ball team and therefore he might be the front-runner to take up the post. But the reports claimed that KL Rahul too will be a strong candidate because of his leadership during the ODI series against South Africa.

Hardik Pandya also served as the vice-captain of the team in the T20 World Cup 2024. He delivered exceptional performances throughout the tournament and was one of the main reasons behind the team winning the tournament as he stepped up with bat and ball, scoring 144 runs and picking 11 wickets.

Hardik Pandya will be making a comeback to the ODI team after the ICC World Cup 2023. The all-rounder got injured during the tournament and since then missed all the games. He made a comeback through IPL and then has been playing on the T20Is.

On the other hand, KL Rahul wasn't part of the team in the T20 World Cup 2024 but he remains an integral part of the ODI setup. He captained the team in the South Africa and under his leadership, the team won the series a ana d lot of young players too were given opportunities, who flourished and made the most of the chances.

Apart from Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah to be rested for Sri Lanka tour

The reports also claimed that along with skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for the Sri Lanka tour. They have been given extra rest so that they recuperate and recharge before the upcoming international assignments against Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

A source close to BCCI stated that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are automatic choices and don't need much practice for the Champions Trophy 2025. Speaking to PTI about the same, he stated:

"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."

He added: "The Champions Trophy will happen in mid February and they don't need to go for a weeklong 3 match ODIs in Sri Lanka. If they want, they are most welcome but I guess they would want rest."