Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah out of Sri Lanka tour as BCCI takes huge decision

India skipper Rohit Sharma along with senior batter Virat Kohli and pacer Jasprit Bumrah are all set to be rested for the Sri Lanka tour, as per the reports in Indian Express. The Men in Blue will be touring the island nation for the three ODIs and three T20Is.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) wants to give rest to Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah so that the trio can be all set to return for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh National Cricket Team. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side will be touring India for two Tests and three T20Is.

The trio of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah recently were part of the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024. Under the leadership of Rohit, India won the tournament, and after that skipper along with Virat announced their retirement from the shortest format of the game.

Since the trio has been consistently playing cricket for the last few months, BCCI wants to give them additional rest so that they can be fully fit for the important assignments. The squad for the Sri Lanka series is all set to be announced next week as the selection committee will be meeting.

A source close to BCCI revealed about the development that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah have been offered rest and will be joining the Team from the Bangladesh tour. Speaking to Indian Express, he explained:

"Senior players can take some rest and get ready for the full cricket season ahead. Rohit, Virat and Bumrah have been offered rest and will join the team for the Test matches against Bangladesh in September."

The ODI series against Sri Lanka will mark the road for the Champions Trophy 2025. The tournament will be taking place in February-March next year in Pakistan. The team management would be looking to lock some young players along with core players for the tournament, which will be the next target for the team after T20 World Cup 2024.

After the Sri Lanka series, India will be locking horns with Bangladesh and then will be taking on New Zealand at home from October 16-November 5 for three Tests. Following that they will tour to South Africa for four T20I’s between November 8 and 15 before a five-match Test series in Australia starting on November 22.

BCCI to announce applications for support start

The reports also claimed that BCCI will be soon inviting applications for the team’s support staff. The governing body recently interviewed Gautam Gambir and WV Raman for the post of head coach and the official confirmation will be announced soon.

It is also learned that Gautam Gambhir is the front-runner to take the spot and the delay in the announcement is due to the salary negotiations betwwen the two parties. The reports claimed that the Kolkata Knight Riders mentor will be given a free hand to choose his support staff.