KL Rahul or Hardik Pandya likely to lead India in the ODI series vs Sri Lanka

The BCCI is likely to give a well deserved break to captain Rohit Sharma and star batsman Virat Kohli for the upcoming three match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August. In their absence, either Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul will probably lead the Indian team.

Rohit and Kohli have had a busy schedule over the past three months, starting with the Indian Premier League (IPL). Both players have asked the BCCI for an extended break to rest and recharge before their next international matches.

Rohit’s continuous participation

This will be Rohit’s first break in nearly six months. He has been playing continuously since the South Africa Test series in December-January, followed by the Afghanistan T20Is, the England Test series, the IPL, and the recent T20 World Cup.

A BCCI source said, “Both are automatic choices in ODI set up and the three 50 over games against England before the Champions Trophy is good enough practice for them. For next few months, they both will prioritize Tests and India will play 10 of them between September to January”

India’s packed schedule

India has a busy schedule ahead, starting with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Then they will face New Zealand in three Tests before the much anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy, featuring five Test matches against Australia in Australia.

Given the demanding schedule, both the selectors and senior players want to manage their workload effectively. “The Champions Trophy will happen in mid February and they don’t need to go for a week-long 3 match ODIs in Sri Lanka. If they want, they are most welcome but I guess they would want rest,” the source added.

With Rohit unavailable, Pandya seems to be the favorite for the captaincy role. However KL Rahul, who recently led the ODI team in South Africa, is also a strong candidate and should not be overlooked.