In a surprising turn of events, Virat Kohli has decided to cut short his break to participate in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, scheduled for August. According to Express Sports, Kohli, along with Rohit Sharma, has made himself available for the Sri Lanka ODIs, which will be Gautam Gambhir’s coach debut in the 50-over format.
This update is particularly intriguing because Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah were initially expected to miss the upcoming series. However, the two batting greats will now don the Indian colors for the first time since their T20I retirement during the ODIs against Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah will sit out the T20Is and ODIs against Sri Lanka. The report also highlighted that Rishabh Pant, who recently made a comeback for India in the T20 World Cup, along with the promising Riyan Parag, will feature in both the T20I and ODI squads. Additionally, it looks like selectors will choose Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya as Rohit’s successor in T20Is.
The ODIs against Sri Lanka are of significant importance, as India has only six ODI games scheduled before the Champions Trophy 2025. The Sri Lankan tour will commence with the T20I series starting on July 26, followed by the three ODIs on August 2, 4, and 7.
This decision by Kohli and Sharma to play in the ODIs adds a layer of excitement and anticipation, with fans eager to see the senior pros back in action under the new coaching regime. This India vs Sri Lanka ODI series is a crucial part of India’s cricket schedule 2024, preparing the team for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
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