Indian skipper, Virat Kohli is expected to get much-needed rest for the limited-overs part of the Sri Lanka series. On the other hand, ODI and T20 specialist bowlers Jasprit Bumrah would fight for the extra bowler’s slot with chinaman Kuldeep Yadav when the Indian selection committee pick the squad for South Africa Test series.
On Monday, the national selectors will announce four separate squads. One will be the third Test against Sri Lanka followed by ODI and T20 squads and the big one – Test squad for the South Africa series.
Virat will be given a month’s break to rejuvenate himself ahead of the big series by getting rested for the 3 ODIs and as many T20Is against Sri Lanka in December, where Rohit Sharma will be seen leading the squad.
Speaking to CricketNext after picking the squad for the T20I series against New Zealand and the first two Test against Sri Lanka, chief selector MSK Prasad clarified, “There is no confusion and Kohli is available for all the three Test matches against Sri Lanka. We will look at resting him after that. He too deserves rest and the rotation policy will be applicable even for the skipper.”
While, on the eve of the 1st Test, Kohli had said, “Definitely I do need rest, why don’t I need rest? When I think of the time my body should be rested, I’ll ask for it. I am not a robot you can slice my skin and check I bleed.”
However, the focus of attention during Monday’s selection panel meeting will be on the tour to South Africa, which will be the first big challenge of Kohli and his men against a top side in overseas condition.
Indian selectors are expected to be choosing a 17-member squad that will travel to South Africa. However, Bumrah is certainly in contention for a slot for the extra pacer. The four pacers — Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav are automatic inclusions.
There are also certain chances that Hardik Pandya will be taking the all-rounder’s slot, he will also be the fifth pacer in the squad. The selection panel’s meeting will happen at the end of the fourth day’s play of the ongoing second Test between India and Sri Lanka.
