Rohit Sharma to Lead India in ODI Series Against Sri Lanka; Suryakumar Yadav Favored for T20 Captaincy

Rohit Sharma is set to lead the Indian cricket team in the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, according to a report by Hindustan Times. Despite earlier speculations that Rohit, along with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, would miss the tour, it is now confirmed that Rohit will return to action. Kohli and Bumrah, however, will take an extended break after continuous play.

India will play only six ODIs before the Champions Trophy in 2025, which played a significant role in Rohit's involvement. The series will also mark Gautam Gambhir's debut assignment as Team India’s head coach.

Meanwhile, the T20I captaincy is under discussion, with Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav as strong contenders. Reports suggest Suryakumar Yadav has an edge due to concerns about Pandya’s fitness. Suryakumar, who led India in eight T20Is against Australia and South Africa last year, is the preferred choice of new head coach Gautam Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar.

Gambhir and Agarkar reportedly discussed the new plan with Pandya, emphasizing the need for a long-term option for stability. The T20 leadership role became vacant after Rohit Sharma retired from the format following India’s World Cup triumph in the West Indies.

Pandya, a key player in that victory, will take a break during the ODI series against Sri Lanka for personal reasons, not due to fitness issues. The T20Is against Sri Lanka will run from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, followed by the ODIs from August 2 to 7 in Colombo.

The squad for the series is expected to be announced shortly.

A senior BCCI source revealed, “Hardik Pandya was India’s T20 vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is fully fit and available for the T20I series and was supposed to lead the side.

However, there is a strong belief that SKY would be the potential leader not only for the Sri Lanka series but till the 2026 World Cup.”