The Indian cricket team is facing a major decision ahead of its limited-overs series against England in February. According to a report by Sports Tak, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah may be rested for the upcoming ODI series against England, starting February 6, 2025. This move would be part of the workload management strategy, given the team’s packed schedule and the looming Champions Trophy in early February.
India will first play five T20Is starting from January 22, followed by three ODIs in preparation for the Champions Trophy, which begins February 9. If the senior trio is rested for the ODI series, it would certainly be a bold and surprising decision, as they have been key players in India’s recent campaigns.
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India’s Recent Struggles and Senior Players’ Form
Despite winning the T20 World Cup, India has struggled in recent assignments. The team lost an ODI series to Sri Lanka, was clean-swept at home by New Zealand in a Test series, and is trailing Australia 2-1 in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy. The chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship are also looking slim.
In this backdrop, while Jasprit Bumrah has been a standout performer in the ongoing series against Australia, seniors like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced challenges with their form, particularly in the longer format of the game.
Potential Rest for Senior Players: A Strategic Move?
The report suggests that the selectors may rest Kohli, Sharma, and Bumrah to manage their workloads and ensure they are fresh for the Champions Trophy, which is a critical tournament for India’s future in global cricket. Given the intensity of the upcoming international schedule, including the T20Is, ODIs, and Champions Trophy, this decision would allow these players to recover and avoid potential injuries.
If this move goes ahead, it would be a bold call, especially considering that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been mainstays in the Indian team for years.
Criticism of Senior Players’ Recent Form
Amid these speculations, former cricketer Surinder Khanna has taken a dig at the form of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, especially in recent Test matches. Khanna pointed out that both players have not been in their best form for a considerable period, stating:
“What are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli doing? They should automatically sit outside if selectors are not doing it then they should do it themselves. They haven’t been performing for the last 40-45 innings. Even if you bowl to them, they will get out. I am saying this by experience. The shot which is their scoring one, why should they not play?” Khanna remarked.
This criticism adds to the ongoing conversation about the form of India’s senior players, which has led to calls for changes in the squad.
Conclusion
With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, the Indian cricket team is making tough decisions regarding player management. Resting senior players like Kohli, Sharma, and Bumrah for the ODI series against England would allow them to recover for the major tournament ahead. However, this decision is bound to spark debates, especially given the recent criticism of their form.
India’s selectors and coaching staff will have to weigh the long-term benefits of fresh players for the Champions Trophy against the potential risks of dropping key players from the ODI series.