The selection of India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka is unlikely to present any major surprises. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, in consultation with head coach Gautam Gambhir, is expected to stick with most players from last year’s ODI World Cup squad, with a few notable exceptions.
Rohit Sharma will return as captain after initially requesting a break following an intense six-month period. Gambhir persuaded Rohit to lead the team, aiming to establish a new direction under his management. With Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami unavailable due to rest and injuries, Rishabh Pant is set to replace Ishan Kishan in the squad. Kishan’s absence stems from his decision to leave the South Africa tour for personal reasons, against the wishes of then-head coach Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma. Kishan’s repeated disregard for BCCI’s instructions to play domestic cricket to prove his fitness led to him being dropped from central contracts and excluded from subsequent selections.
Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are expected to return to the squad. Despite losing his national contract for missing domestic cricket, Iyer will make a comeback, as he captained the IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders, with Gambhir serving as the team mentor. KL Rahul’s inclusion will raise questions about whether he remains the first-choice keeper now that Rishabh Pant has regained full fitness.
The ODI series against Sri Lanka, beginning on August 2, is part of India’s preparation for the Champions Trophy in February 2025, with six ODIs scheduled before the tournament, including three against England next year. The management’s goal is to build a roadmap under Rohit Sharma’s leadership for the upcoming challenges.
