The Indian cricket team has just won the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 as well as the T20I series in India’s tour of Zimbabwe. However, the men in blue are not done yet, as they are moving towards India’s tour of Sri Lanka. The tour will have a 3-match T20I series as well as an ODI series with the same number of matches. After Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli has confirmed his availability to play in India vs Sri Lanka ODI on Head Coach Gautam Gambhir’s request.
Earlier Rohit and Virat were expected to be rested after a long and tiring T20 World Cup 2024. With Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the head coach ending, Gautam Gambhir has taken over the role of the head coach. Both Rohit and Virat have cut their vacations short on Gambhir’s request.
Virat Kohli confirms his availability for the Sri Lanka ODI
Indian Express claims that both Rohit and Kohli have confirmed they will be available for the series. Meanwhile, the BCCI’s senior selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, will hold a Zoom meeting on Thursday evening to finalise the squad.
Despite initial reports of being rested, the senior duo has agreed to return for the Sri Lanka series, which will be Gambhir’s first as head coach. Both Kohli and Rohit have previously played with Gambhir on the national team.
Virat is currently enjoying his vacations in London, with his family. Rohit Sharma on the other hand, is doing the same in the USA. The ODI series against Sri Lanka will mark Virat’s first ODI match after the ODI World Cup 2023 finals against Australia.
Suryakumar to lead the T20I series
The report also indicates that the selection committee has chosen Suryakumar Yadav to lead the Indian T20I team for the three-match series over Hardik Pandya. Hardik Pandya was the vice-captain during the T20 World Cup. Hardik shined throughout the T20 World Cup 2024 with his fielding, especially in the finals. Pandya is likely to miss out on the promotion due to fitness concerns.
The selection committee is prepared to replace Suryakumar Yadav as captain if his performance doesn’t meet expectations. The BCCI aims for Suryakumar to lead the Indian team in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which India and Sri Lanka will co-host.
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