Delhi: Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and great batsman Virat Kohli may be rested for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August and either star all-rounder Hardik Pandya or dashing wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul may be given the command of the national team. It is believed that the veteran players have sought a long leave from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in view of the fatigue of the last three months since the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024).

For your information, let us tell you that it has been about 6 months since 37-year-old Rohit took a break. He has played every series since the Test series against South Africa in December-January. Not only this, after that he also played in the T20 series against Afghanistan, Test series against England, IPL and the recently concluded T20 World Cup.

“Both are favourites for the ODI squad and the three, 50-over matches against England before the Champions Trophy are enough practice for them. In the next few months, both will prioritise Test matches and India will play 10 Tests between September and January,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.

Team India will play two Test matches against Bangladesh. After that India will play three Test matches against New Zealand and then will participate in the five Test match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

The source said, “The Champions Trophy will be held in mid-February and they (Kohli-Rohit) do not need to be (selected) for the three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka which will last for a week. If they want that, they are welcome, but I think they will want rest.”

Hardik or Rahul can become captain

It is worth noting that in Rohit's absence, Hardik seems to be the most likely option as captain, but KL Rahul, who led the ODI team in South Africa, cannot be ruled out either.