Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul to lead India for Sri Lanka ODIs – Report

It has been reported that either Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul could lead India in three ODIs against Sri Lanka. While Pandya was India’s vice-captain in the T20 World Cup, Rahul was not picked in the squad but he is a regular member of the ODI team. 

Recently, BCCI secretary Jay Shah revealed that Rohit Sharma will continue to lead India in ODIs and Test after taking retirement from T20Is, following the team’s successful campaign in the World Cup. However, Rohit along with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be rested for Sri Lanka ODIs.

As per the reports, Rohit, Virat, and Bumrah will join the team ahead of the two Test matches against Bangladesh.

“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,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by Indian Express.

Meanwhile, another source told PTI that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are automatic selections in the ODI team, and three ODIs against England before the Champions Trophy will be good enough for the duo to get ready for the tournament, which is to be played in Pakistan. The source said the veteran duo will focus on Test cricket.

“Both are automatic choices in the ODI setup, and the three 50-over games against England before the Champions Trophy are good enough practice for them. For the next few months, they both will prioritise Tests, and India will play 10 of them between September to January,” a source was quoted as saying by the news agency.

“The Champions Trophy will happen in mid-February, and they don’t need to go for a week-long 3-match ODIs in Sri Lanka. If they want, they are most welcome, but I guess they would want rest,” the source added.

India will play three T20Is and as many ODIs against Sri Lanka.