Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have confirmed their availability for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, according to sources. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) senior selection committee is expected to convene on Thursday evening via a Zoom call, as board secretary Jay Shah is currently in Sri Lanka for the International Cricket Council annual conference.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, in consultation with the BCCI, has decided that Suryakumar Yadav will captain the Indian T20I team for the three-match series, while Rohit Sharma will continue to lead the ODI side. It had been reported earlier that Suryakumar was a leading candidate for the T20I captaincy, as the selectors were uncertain about appointing Hardik Pandya due to his fitness history. Pandya served as vice-captain during India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign.
The selection committee has communicated to the BCCI that they are open to replacing Suryakumar as captain if his performance does not meet expectations. The BCCI is considering Suryakumar to lead the Indian team at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
Despite Pandya being a strong contender for captaincy, discussions with BCCI officials and selectors clarified the preference for Suryakumar and the strategic plans for the next two years.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for ODIs
Senior players, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have agreed to participate in the three-match ODI series at the request of newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, marking his first series in charge.
Hardik Pandya will play only in the T20Is and will not be part of the ODI squad. The selection committee has decided to rest ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the short series, while Rishabh Pant will feature in both the ODI and T20I squads.
Riyan Parag Dark Horse
Rajasthan Royals’ middle-order batsman Riyan Parag has made a strong case for inclusion in both the ODI and T20I squads. The selection committee is keen to introduce new faces for the future, and Parag, who can also bowl, is likely to be included in both squads. This means Suryakumar Yadav will not be part of the ODI squad, and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal will feature only in the T20I squad.
Shreyas Iyer, who last played in the ICC World Cup 50-over team, is set to make a return to the Indian ODI side. Despite being excluded from the annual contract earlier this year, Iyer’s return to international cricket will likely see him reinstated in the BCCI’s annual contract. Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube is expected to feature in both squads, especially with Hardik Pandya opting out of the ODIs.
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