New Delhi: India captain Rohit Sharma and leading batsman Virat Kohli are likely to be rested for the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August and Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul will be asked to lead the side.
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is also likely to be given leave from the ODI series.
It is understood that Indian cricket's biggest contemporary stars have sought a long leave from the BCCI considering the tough times of the last three months since the start of the IPL.
It has been almost six months since 37-year-old Rohit took a break. The Mumbaikar played every series since the South Africa Test series in December-January, followed by the Afghanistan T20I, England Test series, IPL and the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
"Both are automatic choices in the ODI set-up and the three 50-over matches against England before the Champions Trophy are enough practice for them. For the next few months, they will prioritize both Tests and India will play 10 of them between September and January. Will play the match." A BCCI source said on the condition of anonymity.
Before the five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, India will play two Test matches against Bangladesh, followed by three matches against New Zealand.
It is understood that the selectors as well as the seniors would like to manage their workload judiciously.
The source said, "The Champions Trophy will be held in mid-February and they do not need to go for a week-long three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka. If they want, they are welcome to, but I think they Would like some rest."
In Rohit's absence, Pandya looks the most likely option, but KL Rahul, who led the ODI team in South Africa, also cannot be ruled out.
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah is also likely to be given leave from the ODI series.
It is understood that Indian cricket's biggest contemporary stars have sought a long leave from the BCCI considering the tough times of the last three months since the start of the IPL.
It has been almost six months since 37-year-old Rohit took a break. The Mumbaikar played every series since the South Africa Test series in December-January, followed by the Afghanistan T20I, England Test series, IPL and the recently concluded T20 World Cup.
"Both are automatic choices in the ODI set-up and the three 50-over matches against England before the Champions Trophy are enough practice for them. For the next few months, they will prioritize both Tests and India will play 10 of them between September and January. Will play the match." A BCCI source said on the condition of anonymity.
Before the five-Test Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, India will play two Test matches against Bangladesh, followed by three matches against New Zealand.
It is understood that the selectors as well as the seniors would like to manage their workload judiciously.
The source said, "The Champions Trophy will be held in mid-February and they do not need to go for a week-long three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka. If they want, they are welcome to, but I think they Would like some rest."
In Rohit's absence, Pandya looks the most likely option, but KL Rahul, who led the ODI team in South Africa, also cannot be ruled out.
