According to Sports Tak, key Indian players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are set to miss the upcoming limited-overs series against England starting January 22. The series comprises three T20Is followed by three ODIs, with the latter format beginning on February 6.
For Rohit and Kohli, their absence from the T20I series comes as no surprise, given their previous retirement from the shortest format. However, their potential unavailability for the ODI series raises eyebrows, particularly as it represents India’s final 50-over assignment before the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The selection committee faces a crucial decision regarding the ODI squad, particularly concerning Rohit and Kohli’s participation. Given the importance of the Champions Trophy, there’s a strong case for including the experienced batting duo in the ODI series against England to maintain their white-ball rhythm.
Currently, all three players are in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, experiencing contrasting fortunes. While Rohit and Kohli have struggled to find form with the bat, Bumrah has been in exceptional touch, claiming an impressive 30 wickets across four Test matches.
The decision to rest these players appears to be primarily driven by workload management concerns. However, with the Champions Trophy on the horizon, the selection committee must balance immediate rest requirements against the need for adequate preparation in the 50-over format. Their final decision will likely consider both the players’ current workload and their readiness for the upcoming ICC event.
