Virat Kohli Likely to be Rested for ODI Series Against Sri Lanka

After playing a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory, Virat Kohli is expected to be rested for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. His return to international cricket may be delayed as he takes a break from the game.

The tour of Sri Lanka, scheduled from July 27 to August 7, will feature 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is. Kohli had recently announced his retirement from T20 internationals following the World Cup Final in Barbados.

Reports suggest that Kohli requested a break after continuous cricketing commitments since the IPL 2024 season. He left for London to spend time with his family after the World Cup celebrations in Mumbai.

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Virat Kohli’s Return to Team India

Virat Kohli, one of Team India’s most experienced players, is set to rest until the foreseeable future, along with Rohit Sharma. The duo is likely to return for the home Test season in September.

A BCCI source mentioned, “Senior players can take some rest and prepare for the upcoming cricket season. Rohit, Virat, and Bumrah will rejoin the team for the Test matches against Bangladesh in September.”

It is anticipated that Kohli will focus on Test cricket for the remainder of the year before transitioning back to ODIs in preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy tournament.

“Both are key players in the ODI setup, and the upcoming series will serve as good practice for them. They will prioritize Tests in the next few months, with India scheduled to play 10 of them between September and January,” the source added.

India’s busy schedule includes a two-Test series against Bangladesh in the WTC, followed by a home series against New Zealand and a Test series in Australia.

Despite being open to playing, Kohli and the selectors believe it is best for the player to manage his workload and spend quality time with his family ahead of the upcoming season.

In Kohli and Sharma’s absence, either Hardik Pandya or KL Rahul is expected to lead the Indian team during the Sri Lanka series, providing an opportunity for other players to showcase their skills.