With India’s ODI series against Sri Lanka soon to be contested, clarity over certain senior players’ availability hasn’t come. It was earlier reported that veteran stars like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli are keen to remain unavailable for the ODI assignment and have asked the BCCI for an extended break after the T20 World Cup 2024 campaign. But it has now been reported that the team’s new head coach Gautam Gambhir is not keen on this proposition made by the senior players.
As per a report in Indian Express, Hardik Pandya has also added his name to the unavailable stars’ list for the ODI series. The all-rounder cited ‘personal reasons’ behind this request. While Hardik could be granted permission to miss the series, Gambhir reportedly wants Kohli, Rohit and Bumrah to participate.
The former Indian opening batsman is said to have sent a clear message to the trio, saying that the Indian ODI team will have a long break after the Sri Lanka assignment, hence he wants the senior stars to be available.
The report also adds that the players are yet to respond to Gambhir’s plea, with Rohit and Kohli deciding to take a break and travel abroad with their families.
India’s 3-match ODI series against Sri Lanka will begin on August 2 and will conclude on August 7.
