India skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli are expected to be rested for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August. In their absence, either Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul is anticipated to lead the team.Â
Both Rohit and Kohli, two of Indian cricket's most prominent contemporary players, have requested an extended break from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after an intense three months starting with the IPL.
For the 37-year-old Rohit, it has been nearly six months since his last break. He has participated in every series since the South Africa Test series in December-January, followed by the Afghanistan T20Is, the England Test series, the IPL, and the recently-concluded T20 World Cup.
A BCCI source, speaking to PTI on the condition of anonymity, explained, "Both are automatic choices in the ODI setup. The three 50-over games against England before the Champions Trophy will provide adequate practice for them. In the coming months, they will focus on Test matches, as India is scheduled to play 10 Tests between September and January."
India's Test schedule includes two matches against Bangladesh, three against New Zealand, and the high-profile five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in Australia.
The source further mentioned that both the selectors and the senior players are keen on managing their workloads carefully.Â
"The Champions Trophy is set for mid-February, and they don't need to participate in a week-long, three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka. They are welcome to join if they wish, but it seems they would prefer to rest," the source added.
In the absence of Rohit, Hardik Pandya is the most likely candidate to lead the team. However, KL Rahul, who previously led the ODI squad in South Africa, is also a potential option.
