No Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli For ODI Series Against Sri Lanka? Jasprit Bumrah Likely To Be Ruled Out | Report

India captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli are likely to be given a long rest from international cricket. The rest could start taking effect from the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August as per a report.

The report in PTI suggested that, "With the regular Indian captain missing from the action, Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul will be asked to lead the side."

Notably, talismanic player Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be given a break from the ODI series as well.

It is must also be noted that due to continuous cricket in last three months, both Kohli and Rohit were short of proper break. With India winning the long-awaited title in the form of T20 World Cup, BCCI feels it is apt for the two Indian superstars get their individual breaks.

For 37-year-old Rohit, it has been close to six months that he took a break. The Mumbaikar played every series since the South Africa Test series in December-January, followed by Afghanistan T20Is, England Test series, IPL and the recently-concluded T20 World Cup.

"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," a BCCI source was quoted by PTI on conditions of anonymity. 

India play 2 Tests versus Bangladesh, followed by three against New Zealand before the big-ticket five Test Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia Down Under.

It is understood that selectors as well as the seniors would like to manage their workload judiciously.

"The Champions Trophy will happen in mid February and they don't need to go for a week-long 3 match ODIs in Sri Lanka. If they want, they are most welcome but I guess they would want rest," the source stated further in interaction with PTI.

In Rohit's absence, Pandya looks the most likely choice but KL Rahul, who led the ODI squad in South Africa can't be ruled out either.

Inputs from PTI