India’s recent T20 World Cup victory is still fresh in everyone’s minds, but questions are already swirling around the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. Reports suggest senior players Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah might be rested, sparking debate about whether this is the right call.
Champions Trophy 2025 looms large
The BCCI’s focus is firmly set on winning the Champions Trophy in February 2025. With only six ODIs scheduled before the tournament – three against Sri Lanka and three against England – some experts believe India needs its strongest lineup for both series.
This would allow the new head coach, Gautam Gambhir, to assess his options and build team chemistry early on.
Balancing act for BCCI
While the Champions Trophy 2025 is a clear objective, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah reportedly requested a break after a demanding few months, including the IPL.
The BCCI is reportedly considering this request, arguing that the trio can prioritize Tests scheduled between September and January. They believe three ODIs against England before the Champions Trophy will suffice for match practice.
Finding right rhythm for Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma
However, critics point out that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma previously missed several T20Is before the T20 World Cup 2024. While they participated in the Afghanistan series, it wasn’t enough to find consistent form throughout the tournament.
The ODI series against Sri Lanka could offer them a similar opportunity to regain their rhythm before the Champions Trophy.
No Red-Ball Cricket until September
Another argument against resting the players is the lack of competitive red-ball cricket before September. With the first Test against Bangladesh only in September, some believe the Sri Lanka ODIs offer valuable match time for the trio to stay sharp.
Decision and its impact
The BCCI’s final call on player selection remains to be seen. Resting the senior players might give them a much-needed break, but it could also come at the cost of crucial match practice before the Champions Trophy. Only time will tell if the gamble pays off.
