Apply Now Recent reports indicate that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah have requested an extended break from the upcoming Sri Lanka ODI series, as noted by PTI earlier this month. After securing the T20 World Cup title, the Indian cricket team is now focused on the Champions Trophy scheduled for February next year. To prepare, they will engage in only six ODI matches, split between two series. The first series will take place in Sri Lanka from August 3 to 7, and the second series will be held at home against England in early February 2025.
Gautam Gambhir’s Appeal for Kohli and Sharma’s Participation in Sri Lanka ODI Series
Gautam Gambhir has expressed a desire for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to participate in the Sri Lanka ODI series. (Pinterest) Earlier this month, news agency PTI reported that Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to sit out the ODI series due to a request for a longer break following an intense three-month period, which included the 2024 IPL season.
“Both players are automatic choices in the ODI setup, and the three 50-over games against England before the Champions Trophy should provide adequate practice. Over the next few months, they will focus on Tests, with India scheduled to play 10 Test matches between September and January,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity. The selectors reportedly support this decision.
However, new India head coach Gautam Gambhir, whose first assignment will be the Sri Lanka tour, including a three-match T20I series, is keen for Kohli, Sharma, and Bumrah to be part of the ODI series. The BCCI is expected to announce the squads for both series this week. According to the Indian Express, Gambhir has reached out to the trio, though they have yet to respond as they are currently on vacation with their families abroad.
No Submit It seems logical for Gambhir to make this request given India’s limited ODI schedule before the Champions Trophy, with the Sri Lanka series being their only assignment in this format this year. Gambhir aims to gauge the team’s strengths early in his tenure to better prepare for the ICC tournament.
Additionally, the newspaper reported that Hardik Pandya will also miss the ODI series for personal reasons. As a result, KL Rahul is expected to assume the captaincy for the 50-over matches.
