Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could return to India’s ODI squad next month, pending BCCI’s approval of Sri Lanka’s proposed white-ball series in August.
Kohli and Rohit Could Return in August—Pending BCCI’s Call on Sri Lanka Tour
Veteran stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could make a return to India’s playing XI as early as next month. While nothing is confirmed yet, there’s a real possibility hinging on several key decisions by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Their comeback depends on discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has reportedly approached the BCCI with a proposal to host a short white-ball series in August, following the cancellation of India’s tour of Bangladesh. The revised plan includes three ODIs and three T20Is between August 17 and 31, aligning with the original schedule.
However, the BCCI is yet to respond officially. A final decision will likely come after deliberations involving the Asia Cup, which is still awaiting government clearance. A BCCI official told Cricbuzz, “There is a request pending from the SLC, but we have not decided on it yet. We will have to see the situation with the Asia Cup. Everything is interlinked.”
Rohit-Kohli ODI Comeback in Sight
If the proposed white-ball series in Sri Lanka moves forward, it could signal the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to India’s ODI squad. The two stalwarts, who have stepped away from Test and T20I formats following India’s 2024 T20 World Cup run, now focus exclusively on ODIs.
With their current format-specific availability aligning with the potential six-match ODI-T20I series, both veterans are well-positioned for a return. Neither has featured in India’s ongoing Test series in England, and their next ODI outings remain uncertain amid scheduling fluctuations. This series could offer the perfect platform for a much-anticipated comeback.
BCCI to discuss possibilities with Gambhir and Agarkar as Asia Cup Decision Looms
A major factor influencing the potential India tour of Sri Lanka is the unresolved status of the 2024 Asia Cup. Scheduled for September 17–27 and set to be hosted by India, the tournament remains in limbo due to pending government approval—primarily over Pakistan’s participation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, currently in London for the Lord’s Test, is expected to hold crucial discussions with head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, and senior players. These talks will be pivotal in determining India’s stance on both the Sri Lanka series and the Asia Cup, shaping the board’s final decision.
Bangladesh Tour Deferred Over Security
The postponement of India’s tour to Bangladesh—now pushed to 2026—was officially attributed to “international commitments and scheduling convenience,” but insiders reveal regional security concerns played a significant role in the decision.
If the Sri Lanka series goes ahead, it would help BCCI make good use of the open August window while offering crucial match practice to India’s ODI specialists ahead of the Asia Cup and upcoming ICC events. While an official confirmation is pending, anticipation is building for a potential comeback of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—two icons who could don the India jersey once again next month.
