Indian Cricket Team is currently having a gala time in the island nation. They have already won the Test series with a game in hand. Virat Kohli and Co had smashed the Sri Lankans comprehensively in the first two Tests of the three match series and continuing its winning streak in the white jerseys.
Following the Test triumph, the team has plans to rest some of the big names from the first team in the limited-over series which is about to follow. Captain Virat Kohli is likely to be rested for the upcoming limited-over series against Sri Lanka.
Team India is currently in Sri Lanka for the three Tests, five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and one-off T20I. After the ongoing Test series, the two teams will lock horns in the ODIs from August 20. Various reports are emerging that for the lone T20I, which is scheduled on September 06, Kohli could be rested.
If reports are said to be true, it will open the door for Rohit Sharma to lead the side and prove his captaincy skills at the national level. We have already seen his captaincy capabilities when Mumbai Indians lifted their 3rd IPL Trophy earlier this year. Not only Virat Kohli but some of the other cricketers might also get their much deserved offs. The likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami can also be rested.
Kohli has been consistently playing cricket, and in the last 12 months, he has missed just one match out of 43 for India against Australia after he picked a shoulder injury. Kohli then subsequently missed some matches in the Indian Premier League 2017 as well. Ideally, to get the proper rest, Kohli should be rested for ODI series as well and not just the one T20I.
If top spinners like Jadeja and Ashwin are rested it might prove to be a golden opportunity for Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal to prove their mettle. Axar Patel is already in contention for replacing Jadeja in the third Test match against the Lions as the later has been charged with a 1 match ban.
The absence of Shami and top bowler Umesh Yadav can make a way for Basil Thampi who was impressive in the iconic 10th edition of the Indian Premier League. However, there is no official confirmation yet, and it could be mere speculations. India after Sri Lanka tour, India will host Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka before traveling to South Africa.
With the packed schedule ahead it makes sense to rest Kohli, perhaps not just for the lone T20I game.