The ICC T20 World Cup Champion duo Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are unlikely to play Sri Lanka 3 ODI series. According to a report, BCCI officials confirmed they want seniors Rohit, Virat, and Bumrah to rest for the upcoming Test series with England before Champions Trophy 2025.
Via Indian Express report, BCCI officials said, “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.”
Later this month, India will go on a Sri Lanka Tour featuring three ODIs and as many T20Is, from July 27 to August 7. However, T20 World Cup Champions Rohit and virat already announced their retirement, and Guatam Gambhir is all set to take his position as the new Indian coach.
Recently, BCCI secretary Jay Shah already confirmed Rohit Sharma and Virat’s presence for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. So the BCCI wants seniors to take full rest before returning to the Two Test home series against Bangladesh in September.
After Bangladesh 2 Test and 3 T20I series, India will welcome New Zealand at home from October 16-November 5 for three Tests, before a five-match Test series in Australia starting on November 22.
It is the main reason behind Rohit and Virat’s absence in the upcoming Sri Lanka Tour of 3 ODI series. In Sri Lanka, Team Blue will be led by Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul in the ODI series. Currently, Team India is on a Zimbabwe Tour for 5 T20I games series. 2 out of 5 games have already been done and dusted in which in one Zimbabwe won and in the second game India defeated the host. Shubman Gill is in charge of Team India where Zimbabwe is led by all rebounder Sikandar Raza.