Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Set for Break from ODI Series Against Sri Lanka

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering resting captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August. This decision is driven by the duo's hectic schedule over the past three months, which included the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the T20 World Cup.

Sources within the BCCI have indicated that both Rohit and Kohli have requested an extended break to recuperate and prepare for the upcoming international assignments. For Rohit, this break will be his first in nearly six months, having played in every series since the South Africa Test series in December-January.

In the absence of Rohit and Kohli, the captaincy responsibilities are likely to fall on either Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul. Pandya, who has captained the Indian team in the past, appears to be the frontrunner for the role. However, Rahul, who recently led the ODI team in South Africa, remains a strong contender.

The decision to rest Rohit and Kohli is part of a broader strategy to manage the workload of senior players. India has a packed schedule ahead, including two Tests against Bangladesh, three Tests against New Zealand, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

The BCCI is keen on ensuring that its key players are fresh and ready for these demanding fixtures. The Champions Trophy, scheduled for mid-February, is also a major priority, and the selectors believe that Rohit and Kohli can benefit from a break before that tournament.

With Rohit unavailable, Pandya is the most likely candidate to lead the team in Sri Lanka. However, Rahul's recent experience as captain and his strong performances in the ODI format make him a viable option as well. The final decision will be made by the selectors in consultation with the team management.

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