The hectic schedule of the Indian team has already been criticized by the skipper Virat Kohli ahead of the ongoing tour of South Africa. But now, with India’s T20 tri-series (Nidahas Trophy 2018) involving Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on the cards, reports suggest that at least five senior Indian cricketers can be rested, as the Board looks to make the most of this opportunity by giving younger guys a chance to perform.

While Kohli’s name was the first one to pop-up as soon as the discussions over handing workload, it now seems as if MS Dhoni, who only plays limited overs cricket, will also miss the Nidahas Trophy 2018 and some other big players will join him and Kohli out of the roster too.

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As per a report in TOI, along with skipper Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, will be rested for the tri-series in Sri Lanka, the BCCI sources confirmed to TOI on Friday. The decision to rest the crucial players in tri-series has been taken keeping in mind the players’ workload because of the grueling South African tour. One of the sources of TOI said, “It is the point of sending these cricketers after such a hectic South African tour.”

Rohit to lead India in Nidahas trophy 2018

In the absence of Kohli, Rohit Sharma will take the reigns of captaincy in Kohli’s absence and Ajinkya Rahane could be seen filling in the vice-captaincy role. While Dhoni’s absence will help players like Rishabh Pant to showcase their talent in Sri Lanka. The selectors are scheduled to pick the squad on Sunday, and at least 5 top players are expected to see out of Sri Lanka tour, making way for some young guns to make their name known.

Also read: Complete Schedule Of The Nidahas Trophy 2018

As quoted in PTI, one of the BCCI officials said, “If Virat wants to rest, he will get it. In Virat’s case, it’s he who decides on whether he would like to opt out or not. But you never know he might just want to play the T20 series as this is the last tourney of the season. Once the tournament is over, he will get a fortnight off before the Indian Premier League.”

The Nidahas Trophy 2018 is scheduled to start on March 6 and ends on 18th of the same month. All three teams are expected to arrive at the Island Nation by March 4.