Rohit Sharma set to return for Sri Lanka ODIs as Indian Skipper obeys Gautam Gambhir

Indian cricket is known for its unpredictability, especially during transitional phases. As Team India moves from Rahul Dravid's tenure to the Gautam Gambhir era, speculations are high. India Test and one-day captain Rohit Sharma is set to make himself available for the upcoming three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka.

Gautam Gambhir requested senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, who are on a break, to rejoin the ODI team for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour. India will play only six ODI matches before next year's Champions Trophy. Gambhir and Rohit will prepare the plan for the marquee tournament.

The selectors will meet Gambhir on Thursday before announcing the squad. The Men in Blue will play three T20Is in Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele from July 27 and 30. Following the T20I series, India will play the ODI series at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo from August 2 to 7.

Gautam Gambhir Wants Stability In The Leadership Group - Report

Earlier, it was reported that Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for the Sri Lanka tour due to workload management. However, according to the Hindustan Times, Rohit will join the ODI squad as captain at Gambhir's request. Virat and Jasprit are unlikely to play in the three-match ODI series.

"Gambhir and the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, want stability in the leadership group. Besides, Rohit has already got a month-long break after the T20 World Cup and will get sufficient time to relax after the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka as India's next assignment, a home Test series against Bangladesh, begins on September 19,” a report by Hindustan Times said.

Most of the players from last year’s ODI World Cup squad are expected to return, except Ishan Kishan, who will likely be replaced by Rishabh Pant. Shreyas Iyer is anticipated to be part of the squad despite losing his national contract. Iyer led the KKR to the 2024 IPL championship under Gambhir's mentorship.

I Don't Look That Far Ahead - Rohit Sharma

After India's World Cup victory, Rohit Sharma participated in celebrations and ceremonies in New Delhi and Mumbai. The 37-year-old then traveled to London for a break and attended a Wimbledon match. He then went to the USA for another event and expressed that he has no intention of retiring from ODIs and Tests.

"I just said it. I don't look that far ahead. So clearly, you will be seeing me play at least for a while," the 37-year-old said at an event in Dallas.

Rohit and Virat retired from T20Is after India's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup final match. Rohit ended his T20I career as the highest run scorer, scoring 4231 runs in 159 matches with five centuries and 32 half-centuries. Bumrah remains one of the few players to play in all three formats for the Men in Blue.

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