India cricket supporters can potentially expect to see the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma on the Indian team in August, subject to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully negotiating with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir. This potential comeback depends largely on the BCCI’s decision regarding Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) proposal to organize a short white-ball series in August, filling the gap left by the postponed India tour of Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka Proposes Replacement Series in August
Sri Lanka board has officially approached the BCCI to organize six games—three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20 Internationals (T20Is)—to replace Bangladesh tour that was originally scheduled from August 17 to 31. Bangladesh tour has been rescheduled for 2026 on account of rising regional security concerns and scheduling complications.
It has been learnt that the BCCI has not yet taken a final call on SLC’s approach. A source in the know informed Cricbuzz, “There is a pending request from the SLC, but we have not taken a call yet. We would have to see things concerning the Asia Cup. Everything is connected.”
Rohit and Kohli Eye ODI Return
If the Sri Lanka series is sanctioned, India’s two greatest cricketers, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, might return to ODIs next month. Both cricketers have been concentrating exclusively on ODIs since retiring from Test and T20I cricket after India’s 2024 campaign in the T20 World Cup.
As Rohit and Kohli did not participate in the current Test series against England and the planned series is a white-ball competition, their inclusion appears bright. But their next official ODI duties are not clear as tournament planning continues to change.
Asia Cup Decision Affects Tour Plans
One of the main reasons affecting the Sri Lanka tour possibility is the forthcoming Asia Cup, which India is scheduled to host from September 17 to 27. The event has yet to receive government sanction on account of political sensitivity as Pakistan’s participation is involved.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, currently at Lord’s for the England Test, will consult with key stakeholders, including Gambhir and Agarkar, about both the Sri Lanka tour and Asia Cup plans. These consultations will shape the BCCI’s final stance on the proposed Sri Lanka series.
Security Concerns Delay Bangladesh Tour
The initial Bangladesh tour was postponed until 2026, purportedly on account of “international commitments and scheduling convenience.” Yet, sources close to the matter affirm that increasing security issues in the area were a major factor in the decision.
Sri Lanka Series Could Strengthen ODI Preparations
If planned, the Sri Lanka white-ball series will enable the BCCI to make effective use of the August calendar and provide quality match practice to ODI specialists such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The preparation will be important before the Asia Cup and other high-profile ICC tournaments.
In the meantime, the fans need to wait a little longer but there is hope that Kohli and Rohit will once again wear the India jersey very shortly.
