Senior players Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are unlikely to feature for India's upcoming white-ball series in Sri Lanka. The Men in Blue will play three T20Is and three ODIs in Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, India's captain Rohit Sharma could be back for the ODIs. Rohit Sharma announced his T20I retirement after India won the T20 World Cup 2024 at Barbados in June. Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja also announced their retirements from the shortest formats after India's triumph.
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Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for India's tour of Sri Lanka
According to the reports, Gambhir had a meeting with the selection committee, which was deemed to be 'productive' as well. The meeting was organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday. It consisted of the member of Ajit Agarkar's selection committee, BCCI secretary Jay Shah, and the new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The meeting was held online and Gambhir joiined in from his home in New Delhi.
Both Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah had asked for a break during India's tour of Sri Lanka and the board is unlikely to consider both of them for the tour. As a result, both the senior players are unlikely to travel to the island nation.
India's new head coach Gautam Gambhir had earlier stated that there is no reason for players to be rested and they will keep playing if they are fit. Gambhir had also insisted on the players being available for all the three formats rather than prioritizing a particular format.
Rohit Sharma might play the Sri Lanka ODIs
However, there are indications that Rohit Sharma might be available for the ODI leg of the tour. India are not due to play a lot of ODIs before the ICC Champions Trophy next year, which might prompt Rohit to play the ODIs in Sri Lanka. If he plays, he will lead the side as well. If Rohit doesn't play, KL Rahul is likely to don the captain's hat for the ODIs.
Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are two key players for India's ODI set-up. Both have had exceptional careers so far and are match-winners on their days. With Champions Trophy stated to be held next year, India will expect both Kohli and Bumrah to be in top form.
Kohli had a disappointing T20 World Cup 2024 campaign where he managed just 151 runs in eight matches at an average of 18.87. However, his 76 off 59 balls in the final played a key role in India's final win over South Africa.
On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah was exceptional in the T20 World Cup. The fast bowler picked up 15 wickets in eight matches at an average of 8.26 and an outstanding economy rate of 4.17.
His economy rate was the best among the bowlers in a single edition of a T20 World Cup (minimum 100 balls). Bumrah bowled breathtaking spells throughout the tournament and brought India back into the game again and again.
