Rohit back as captain for SL ODIs on Gambhir’s request

New Delhi: Rohit Sharma is set to lead India in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka after new coach Gautam Gambhir’s request.

India play three T20Is in Sri Lanka, starting July 27 before the ODIs begin on August 2. Rohit, who retired from the shortest format after leading India to a T20 World Cup title after 17 years, has decided to change his stance on taking a long break after discussions with new coach Gambhir.

As these are among the only six ODIs India play before next year’s Champions Trophy, it was decided that Rohit Sharma should not give the series a miss. Also, because this allows new head coach Gautam Gambhir to team up with Rohit and put plans in motion for next year’s marquee event.

Gambhir and the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, want stability in the leadership group. Besides, Rohit has already got a month-long break after the T20 World Cup and will get sufficient time to relax after the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka as India’s next assignment, a home Test series against Bangladesh, begins on September 19.

After the celebrations and felicitation ceremonies in New Delhi and Mumbai following India’s World Cup win, Rohit travelled to London to spend some time away from the game. He also attended a Wimbledon match at the centre court. He later flew to the USA to attend another event, confirming that he has no plans to give up on ODIs and Tests.