Virat Kohli to be rested for last two ODIs, T20I series against New Zealand

Indian captain Virat Kohli will be rested for the final two ODIs of the ongoing India-New Zealand series, along with the three T20Is that follow. In the absence of Kohli, Rohit Sharma will lead the side. No replacement has been named.

In a bid to ensure that the players are well-rested for the grueling season that follows, the BCCI is ensuring that the workload of players is managed well. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was also rested ahead of the New Zealand series.

"Considering his workload in the last few months, the team management and Senior selection committee is of the view that it would be ideal for him to get adequate rest ahead of the home series against Australia," a BCCI statement said.

Given Kohli's recent issues with his back and neck, the team management would want to ensure that the 30-year-old is fit and well-rested for the World Cup in May.

India's squads:

ODI: Rohit Sharma (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Ambati Rayudu, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, K Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Shami, Vijay Shankar, Shubman Gill

T20: Rohit Sharma(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik, Kedar Jadhav, MS Dhoni, Krunal Pandya, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, K Khaleel Ahmed, Shubman Gill, Vijay Shankar

More to follow...