Reports: Rohit Sharma in contention to play ODI series vs Sri Lanka

After the T20 World Cup 2024, Rohit Sharma along with two other senior cricketers - Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah were expected to take a long break and return in the series against Bangladesh later in the year. However, new head coach Gautam Gambhir wanted the senior players for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, keeping the Champions Trophy in mind.

India are scheduled to play only six ODI matches before the mega tournament in Pakistan and keeping that in mind, the former cricketer wanted the seniors to play, especially when they will have a big break after the series. As things stand, Rohit is likely to make himself available for the series but Kohli and Bumrah might continue with the break. The Indian skipper is currently in USA with family but will return to India if he eventually travels to Sri Lanka for the ODI series.

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In case Rohit plays, he will undoubtedly lead the team but if he doesn’t, senior player KL Rahul is the favourite to be named the captain as per Cricbuzz. Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, is expected to make his return to the Indian squad and so is Rishabh Pant. Hardik Pandya however will skip the ODI series and he has conveyed the same to BCCI officials. 

Meanwhile, the selection committee may appoint Suryakumar Yadav as captain in T20Is, ahead of Pandya. The officials have doubts over his fitness and also keeping workload management in mind, Suryakumar stands favourite at the moment. However, the decision hasn’t been finalised yet as Pandya’s experience as captain is valued as well. A final call will be taken by the Ajit Agarkar-led committee when they sit to finalise the squad for the Sri Lanka series. 

Also Read - Reports: Suryakumar Yadav favourite to replace Rohit Sharma as T20I captain, Hardik Pandya in contention as well

Interestingly, BCCI is yet to finalise Gambhir’s support staff. A lot of names have been discussed but the officials have not appointed anyone so far. With just 10 days remaining for the series to begin, a decision needs to be made soon.