With 10 Tests ahead, Rohit, Kohli to skip SL ODIs

New Delhi, July 8

India skipper Rohit Sharma and premier batter Virat Kohli are likely to be rested for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August and either Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul will be asked to lead the side.

India pacer Jasprit Bumrah too is likely to be given a break from the ODI series.

It is understood that Indian cricket’s biggest contemporary stars have sought a break from the BCCI, considering the grueling last three months since the start of the IPL.

For 37-year-old Rohit, it has been close to six months that he took a break. The Mumbaikar played every series since the South Africa Test series in December-January, followed by Afghanistan T20Is, England Test series, IPL and the recently-concluded T20 World Cup.

“Both are automatic choices in the ODI set-up and the three 50-over games against England before the Champions Trophy are good enough practice for them. For the next few months, both will prioritise Tests and India will play 10 of them between September and January,” a BCCI source said.

India play two Tests against Bangladesh, followed by three against New Zealand before the big-ticket five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia Down Under.

It is understood that the selectors as well as the two senior players would like to manage their workload judiciously. “The Champions Trophy will happen in mid-February and they don’t need to go for a week-long three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka. If they want, they are most welcome but I guess they would want rest,” the source added.

In Rohit’s absence, Pandya looks the most likely choice for the captain’s role but Rahul, who led the ODI squad in South Africa, can’t be ruled out either. — PTI

Yuvi was happy when Abhishek got out for duck

Harare: India opener Abhishek Sharma has revealed that his mentor Yuvraj Singh was delighted when he got out for a duck on his T20I debut against Zimbabwe as the former all-rounder, for reasons best known to him, felt it was a “good start”. Making his India debut, Abhishek was out on duck on Saturday. But the 23-year-old came back strongly to set the stage ablaze with a 47-ball 100 in the second game. “I spoke to him, and I don’t know why he was very happy when I got out on zero. He said that’s a good start but he must be very happy and proud just like my family,” Abhishek said. “It’s all because of him as well, the hard work he has put in (shaping) me. (For) two-three years, he has worked really hard not only on my cricket but off the field (life) as well.”