Virat Kohli in doubt for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka

The Indian team for the upcoming limited over series of 5 ODIs and a lone T20I is set to be chalked out on August 13. With the date closing in, the team management and national selectors are contemplating to rest India’s primary spinning duo, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja.

Both the bowlers had to undertake a heavy workload during the ongoing Test series. Ashwin and Jadeja have bowled a total of 217 overs so far, claiming 13 and 11 wickets respectively. Also, with Jadeja getting suspended from the third Test at Pallekel after he accumulated six demerit points within a 24-month period, Ashwin will have to spearhead the attack.

With the limited over series set to start on August 20, Chairman of selectors MSK Prasad is in Kandy to track the performances. His colleague Devang Gandhi is currently touring South Africa with the A team. A conference call is scheduled to take place with the third member Sarandeep Singh on August 13 to pick the squad.

It is expected that pacer Mohammed Shami will also be rested from the ODI series as his workload needs to be monitored. The likes Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel, Krunal Pandya could all be in contention while Yorker-specialist Jasprit Bumrah’s selections look certain.

Kohli needs rest

However, the big talking point though is the inclusion of skipper Virat Kohli. Although the skipper himself didn’t ask for a sabbatical and is keen to play in the ODI series, the selectors might think alternately.

The 28-year-old batting dynamo has been playing non-stop cricket since returning from injury earlier in the year. Kohli joined the IPL almost immediately after the recovery and went on to lead the country in the Champions Trophy, followed by a tour to the Caribbean and now in the island nation. The Men in Blue have a jam packed schedule ahead and thus it is of utmost importance for the captain to stay fit so that he can lead the team from the front whenever needed.