Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have retired from test cricket this year in May, are now gearing up to feature in India’s playing XI for the forthcoming One-Day International (ODIs) series.
After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to postpone India’s 50-over series in Bangladesh scheduled in August, the latest reports reveal that at least two cricket boards from different nations have come forward to compensate for the void. One of them includes Sri Lanka, having put forward their request to compete against India in the white ball series.
The Ro-Ko, after stepping down from the tests and T20Is, are left with only the ODI format in their international cricket career. And the time has come for the legendary pair donning the blue jersey again after several months of a gap.
Why did the Bangladesh Tour in August 2025 get postponed?
As per the original schedule, India was supposed to play three ODIs against Bangladesh from the 17th to the 31st of August 2025. But, the series got postponed to the subsequent year, considering the busy international commitments and schedule flexibility.
Most importantly, the political controversies in Bangladesh, the board is highly concerned about their players’ travel and safety in such critical situations.
Also, India’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025 remains uncertain, which may have played a major role in the decision-making process. The tournament scheduled between the 17th to 27th of September 2025 has been the heated debate among fans and experts since the increased INDO-PAK military conflicts in recent times.
After the Pahlagam terror attacks, the BCCI, as the tournament’s hosts, is yet to receive permission from the Indian government to allow the Indian men’s team to participate in the Pakistan-involved tournament.
Most importantly, the Indian cricket board needed to consider the workload of the players as well as the international and domestic fixtures before confirming the white ball tour to Bangladesh.
Top Sources Reveal Big Updates
One of the most trustworthy sources informed India Today that the board is considering a few options before making any final decision:
“ Yes! Upon receiving a few requests, we have planned to figure out the various options available to us. Currently, a few cricket boards don’t have any international assignments during that particular period. So, they have extended their offer to compete against India to fill the gap in that window.
Under the existing situations and political turmoil in Bangladesh, it wouldn’t be advisable to travel to the nation. So, we have officially urged the Asian Cricket Council to relocate the venue for the upcoming meeting,” the source conveyed.
Sri Lanka steps in after India reschedules Bangladesh visit
According to the latest reports obtained, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has stepped in, offering the BCCI to host the Indian team. They have assured the Board of Control for Cricket in India to host as many matches as they would have played in Bangladesh. This includes three ODIs and many T20Is, but still ongoing discussions are heard between the two cricket boards about the transport requirements and usefulness of this short tour.
The Lanka Premier League (LPL) was earlier set to be held in July and August. But after the tournament was rescheduled, they have proposed this tour to the BCCI, and it is likely to be accepted as well.
Proposed DATE for Sri Lanka Tour
It is said that the initial date for the Sri Lanka tour has not yet been announced, but it wouldn’t be the same as the original scheduling of the Bangladesh trip. This is because the Lankans are all set for the Zimbabwe tour on 29th August, which could alter their availability.
BCCI MEETING between Secretary, Head Coach, and Chief Selector
Request from the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is pending, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) needs certain consultation. The Indian cricket board has decided to gather for a meeting, which includes officials of BCCI — Devajit Saikia (Secretary), Gautam Gambhir (Head Coach), and Ajit Agarkar (Chief Selector). All three of them are currently in London for the Lord’s Test, and the meeting is expected to take place shortly.
Also Read: Mehidy Hasan Miraz Reacts to Bangladesh Batting Performance: A Defeat to Sri Lanka in ODI Series
Conclusive Opinion: Rohit and Kohli ODI Comeback In Waiting
Suppose the Sri Lanka series goes as per the planning, then Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the most celebrated Indian cricketers of the past decade, can once again feature in the national setup in ODIs.
Moreover, the white ball contest against Sri Lanka is not only an opportunity for the BCCI to make use of the August window. It also offers the best preparation phase for the ODI specialists Rohit and Kohli, ahead of the Asia Cup and other ICC fixtures.
As the duo of veterans Rohit & Kohli now solely focuses on the 50-over format, the entire cricket world waits to see the modern-day legends back in action wearing the Indian team jersey.
