Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli set to play ODIs in Sri Lanka: Reports - Cricket Winner

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of their availability for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka next month. The BCCI’s senior selection committee is expected to meet on Thursday evening via Zoom call, as board secretary Jay Shah is in Sri Lanka for the International Cricket Council annual conference.

The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, in consultation with the BCCI, has decided that Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Indian T20I team for the three-match series, while Rohit will continue as captain for the ODIs. The Indian Express had earlier reported that Suryakumar was in line for the T20I captaincy as the selectors were uncertain about appointing Hardik Pandya due to his past fitness record. Pandya had served as India’s vice-captain during their triumphant T20 World Cup campaign.

The selection committee has informed the BCCI that they are open to replacing Suryakumar Yadav as captain in the future if his performance does not meet expectations. The BCCI is considering Suryakumar to lead the Indian team at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka.

Although Hardik Pandya seemed a front-runner for the captaincy, it is understood that BCCI officials and selectors have spoken to Pandya to explain their plans for the next two years and their preference for Suryakumar.

Skilled players for ODIs

Meanwhile, the experienced players on the team have agreed to newly appointed coach Gautam Gambhir’s request to participate in the three-match ODI series, as it will be his first series as a coach.

Pandya will only be playing in the T20Is and will not be part of the ODI squad. The senior selection committee has decided to rest their ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the short series. Rishabh Pant will feature in both Indian squads.

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Riyan Parag: The unexpected challenger

According to The Indian Express, Rajasthan Royals middle-order batsman Riyan Parag has made a strong case for a spot in the Indian middle-order and is expected to be selected for both the ODI and T20I teams. The selection committee is exploring new talents for the future, and Parag, who can also bowl, is likely to be included in both squads. His inclusion suggests that Suryakumar Yadav won’t be part of the ODI squad, while opener Yashasvi Jaiswal will feature exclusively in the T20I squad.

Shreyas Iyer, last seen in the ICC World Cup 50-over team, is set to make a comeback to the Indian ODI side. Earlier this year, the BCCI took a tough stance on Iyer, omitting him from the annual contract list. However, with his return to international cricket, he is expected to reclaim a spot in the BCCI’s annual contract soon. Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube is poised to feature in both squads, particularly with Pandya choosing to sit out of the ODIs.