“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Set for ODI Series in Sri Lanka, Suryakumar Yadav to Lead India in T20Is”

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have confirmed their availability to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka next month. “The senior selection committee of the BCCI will hold a Zoom meeting on Thursday evening. This virtual meeting is necessary because board secretary Jay Shah is attending the International Cricket Council annual conference in Sri Lanka.”

The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar and 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 team. The Indian Express previously reported that Suryakumar was likely to be appointed as the T20I captain, as the selectors were uncertain about Hardik Pandya’s suitability for the role due to his past fitness issues. Pandya had served as India’s vice-captain during their victorious T20 World Cup campaign.

The selection committee has indicated to the BCCI that they are open to replacing Suryakumar as captain if his performance does not meet expectations. The BCCI is contemplating appointing Suryakumar as the captain for the Indian team in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka.”

Although Pandya was a strong candidate for the captaincy, it is understood that BCCI officials and selectors explained their long-term plans to him, emphasizing why Suryakumar was chosen.

Senior Players for ODIs

The senior players have agreed to participate in the three-match ODI series following a request from newly appointed coach Gautam Gambhir, as it will be his first series in the role.

Pandya will only play in the T20Is and will not be part of the ODI squad. The senior selection committee has decided to rest key pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the short series. Rishabh Pant will be included in both the ODI and T20I squads.

Riyan Parag the Dark Horse

According to The Indian Express, Rajasthan Royals middle-order batsman Riyan Parag has made a strong case for inclusion in the Indian middle-order and is likely to be selected for both the ODI and T20I sides. The selection committee is experimenting with new faces for the future, and Parag, who can also bowl, is expected to earn a spot in both squads. Parag’s inclusion means Suryakumar will not be part of the ODI squad, Bar and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal will only feature in the T20I squad.

Shreyas Iyer, who last played in the ICC World Cup 50-over team, is set to return to the Indian ODI side. The BERC had removed Iyer from the annual contract earlier this year, but his return to international cricket will likely see him re-included in the contract. Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube is expected to feature in both squads, particularly with Pandya opting out of the ODIs.