Rohit Sharma to lead India against West Indies with Virat Kohli set to be rested - Reports

Indian opener and Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma is all set to lead Team India in the limited-overs matches in their upcoming tour of West Indies, where the team will play three T20Is and three ODIs, after which they will conclude the tour with two tests. Skipper Virat Kohli is set to be given a long break post the World Cup, which might also see him miss the two tests set to start from August 22. 

Talisman pacer Jasprit Bumrah is also set to be rested for the limited overs, having played all matches in the World Cup. Both Kohli and Bumrah have featured in all three formats for India over the course of the last two years, and the decision is set to be made keeping their workload in hindsight.

While the absence of Kohli and Bumrah in the limited over matches looks certain, it is still unsure whether they will be rested for the Test series, with the two tests set to be a part of the World Test Championships. If indeed Kohli is rested for the Test matches, deputy skipper Ajinkya Rahane will take up the responsibility of leading the Indian side in the red-ball matches.

“Kohli and Bumrah are going to miss the T20s and ODIs for sure but the selectors are also thinking to rest them for the two Tests in the West Indies. They are important players for the team and the team management and selection committee wants them to stay fresh for the home season ahead. They have already had a hectic season in the past one year,” sources in the BCCI informed, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The report also stated that there was no clarity behind the inclusion or exclusion of MS Dhoni, with rumours of Dhoni's potential retirement post the World Cup doing the rounds after India's exit in the semi-final. 

India's tour to the West Indies will commence from August 2, where they will travel to Florida to play the first of three T20Is.