India’s cricket enthusiasts might not have to wait long to witness the return of old warhorses Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to international action. Although nothing has been confirmed as yet, the chances are high that the two legends might wear the Indian jersey once again next month subject to a few crucial decisions falling in their favor.
The possible return will be pending on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and their future meeting with newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. If the board approves Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) offer of a brief white-ball series in August, viewers may get to see India’s all-time favorite duo in ODIs back.
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Currently, the BCCI is still to send a formal response to the invitation from the Sri Lankan board. It is said that a final decision will be made only after conducting a round of consultations that also include proposals for the Asia Cup, which is at present in limbo subject to government clearance, especially regarding Pakistan’s involvement.
An official close to the development informed Cricbuzz that the planned Sri Lanka series might also become a natural re-entry phase for both players, considering their recent format-specific unavailability. After the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit and Kohli have distanced themselves from both Tests and T20Is, opting to concentrate on the ODI format only. Their unavailability in the current Test series against England has only fueled speculation about their international cricket future.
“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.”
With the Sri Lanka tour being a white-ball duty as per the proposed tour, the window is open for their selection. Much, however, will depend on the overall strategy of the BCCI, particularly with respect to the Asia Cup, which is planned from September 17 to 27. The future of the tournament is uncertain due to geopolitical considerations, and it is more than likely that both tours will be decided based on these outside influences.
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BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who is currently in London for the Lord’s Test, is expected to engage in key discussions with senior players, Gambhir, and Agarkar. These conversations will help shape the BCCI’s response to SLC and offer a clearer picture of India’s roadmap in the lead-up to the Asia Cup and future ODI commitments.
For the time being, the potential resurgence of Rohit and Kohli is an optimistic scenario but one that hinges on several moving parts coming together just so.
