Discover the Indian Cricket Board’s strategic decision to rest key players, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, before their full return in September for the Bangladesh tour. Get insights into team selections, upcoming series, and the appointment of new support staff.
In a strategic move to keep their top players fresh and ready for an intense cricket season ahead, the Indian Cricket Board has decided to rest the captain of the T20 World Cup winning team, along with two senior players, before a full season in September. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah will sit out the upcoming Sri Lanka tour later this month. This decision comes as the Indian team gears up for a challenging home series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19, followed by a series of matches against New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia.
The Decision to Rest Key Players
The Indian cricket board wants the captain of the T20 World Cup winning team and the other two seniors to take some more rest before returning for a full season in September when Bangladesh travels to India for two Tests and three T20Is starting on September 19.
- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have retired from T20Is after the recent World Cup.
- Jasprit Bumrah has decided to continue playing T20Is for the country.
- The selection committee will meet next week to pick the team for the Sri Lanka tour.
Upcoming Sri Lanka Tour
The tour of Sri Lanka, which features three ODIs and as many T20Is, is scheduled from July 27 to August 7. Given the recent retirements and rest periods, this tour will see a younger and possibly less experienced Indian squad.
Detailed Player Rest Strategy
Why Rest the Seniors?
Senior players can take some rest and get ready for the full cricket season ahead. This approach ensures they are in peak condition for critical matches against top teams like Bangladesh, New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia.
- Preventing Injuries: Rest periods help reduce the risk of injuries, especially for players like Bumrah who have a history of injuries.
- Maintaining Peak Performance: Resting senior players allows them to maintain their performance levels throughout a grueling season.
- Opportunity for New Players: It provides an opportunity for younger players to step up and gain valuable international experience.
What’s Next for Sharma, Kohli, and Bumrah?
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah have been offered rest and will join the team for the Test matches against Bangladesh in September. This strategic rest period is expected to rejuvenate these key players, ensuring they are in top form for the crucial home series.
The Bangladesh Tour: A Significant Test
Schedule and Matches
Bangladesh travels to India for two Tests and three T20Is starting on September 19. This series will mark the return of the rested senior players and is expected to be a highly competitive affair.
- Test Matches: Two Tests will be critical for India’s standing in the World Test Championship.
- T20 Internationals: The three T20Is will be a test of the new, younger squad members who will have just returned from the Sri Lanka tour.
Key Players to Watch
- Rohit Sharma: Returning as captain, his leadership and batting prowess will be crucial.
- Virat Kohli: Even after retiring from T20Is, his experience and form in Test cricket are invaluable.
- Jasprit Bumrah: His return to the squad will bolster India’s bowling attack.
Post-Bangladesh Series Plans
Home Series Against New Zealand
After the Bangladesh series, the Indian team will host New Zealand from October 16 to November 5 for three Tests. This series will be another vital part of India’s cricket calendar, preparing them for the challenges ahead.
South Africa and Australia Tours
Following the New Zealand series, India will fly to South Africa to play four T20Is between November 8 and 15, and then head to Australia for a five-match Test series starting on November 22. These tours will test the team’s resilience and adaptability in different conditions.
BCCI’s Call for New Support Staff
End of Current Tenures
The Indian board will soon invite applications for the team’s support staff as the tenures of batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip ended after the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.
New Head Coach Appointment
The board’s Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) has already interviewed two candidates – Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman – for the post of head coach. Gautam Gambhir is expected to take up the role, with the announcement delayed due to final stages of salary negotiation.
Gambhir’s Free Hand in Staff Selection
It is learnt that the board will give Gambhir a free hand to choose his support staff. Whether the Indian team will have a batting coach going ahead is not clear, as Gambhir himself has been a successful opening batsman across formats.
FAQs
Why are Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli resting?
The Indian cricket board wants the captain of the T20 World Cup winning team and the other two seniors to take some more rest before returning for a full season in September when Bangladesh travels to India for two Tests and three T20Is starting on September 19.
What is the schedule for the Sri Lanka tour?
The Sri Lanka tour features three ODIs and as many T20Is, from July 27 to August 7.
Will Bumrah continue playing T20Is?
Yes, Jasprit Bumrah has said that he will continue playing the T20 format for the country.
Who is the new head coach of the Indian cricket team?
The board’s Cricket Advisory Committee has interviewed Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman. Gautam Gambhir is expected to take up the role, with an official announcement pending.
What are the upcoming series after the Bangladesh tour?
- New Zealand: Three Tests from October 16 to November 5.
- South Africa: Four T20Is from November 8 to 15.
- Australia: Five-match Test series starting on November 22.
Conclusion
The Indian cricket board’s decision to rest key players before a demanding season reflects their strategic planning and focus on maintaining peak performance. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah’s rest period will be pivotal in ensuring they are fit and ready for the challenges ahead, starting with the Bangladesh tour in September. The appointment of new support staff and a head coach further indicates the board’s commitment to preparing a robust team for future successes. As fans eagerly await the return of their favorite players, the upcoming cricket season promises to be thrilling and full of intense cricketing action.
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