India is scheduled to tour Sri Lanka, marking Gautam Gambhir’s debut as the head coach of the team. Reports indicate that Rohit Sharma will captain the team in the ODI series at Gambhir’s request.

The tour includes 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is in July and August. The T20Is are set for July 27, 28, and 30 in Colombo, while the ODIs will be played in Pallekele on August 2, 4, and 7.

There is ongoing speculation about the captain for the T20I series, but the Hindustan Times reports that Rohit Sharma has agreed to lead the team in the ODIs. Sharma, along with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, was initially planning a break after India’s T20 World Cup win in 2024. However, Gambhir has requested these senior players to participate in the ODI series due to the limited number of ODIs before the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025.

Gambhir emphasized that they can take an extended break after the Sri Lanka series, as there is a six-week gap before India hosts Bangladesh for two Tests and three T20Is in September. The report noted that Gambhir and the chairman of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, are aiming for stability in the leadership group. Sharma, who has already had a month-long break after the T20 World Cup, will have ample time to rest following the Sri Lanka ODIs.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to skip the Sri Lanka tour, likely returning for the Test series against Bangladesh.