In what could significantly alter Team India’s upcoming schedule, reports suggest that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been advised against proceeding with the proposed Bangladesh tour later this month. This development is expected to delay the return of senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to international cricket, prolonging their post-T20 World Cup break.
Background: Why The Bangladesh Tour Was Scheduled
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) had proposed a short bilateral series in Dhaka and Chattogram to fill broadcasting slots after their home series against Zimbabwe was shortened. BCCI had considered sending a full-strength squad to continue match practice for senior players ahead of India’s packed World Test Championship (WTC) calendar later this year.
However, geopolitical tensions in the region, coupled with tight logistical arrangements, have reportedly compelled the Indian government to advise BCCI to reconsider the timing of the tour.
Likely Impact On Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Return Plans
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been on an extended break following India’s T20 World Cup triumph in the Caribbean last month. Both senior batters were expected to return against Bangladesh to fine-tune preparations ahead of the high-profile Australia Test series at home starting August.
Recent Match And Rest Timeline For Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli
| Player | Last Match Played | Runs Scored | Scheduled Return | Status Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | T20 WC Final vs SA | 68 | Bangladesh series | Delayed |
| Virat Kohli | T20 WC Final vs SA | 77 | Bangladesh series | Delayed |
With the Bangladesh tour now in doubt, their first comeback appearance might only be during the Australia Tests, giving them limited match practice against international bowlers before the WTC cycle resumes.
Why The Tour Could Be Cancelled
- Security Advisory:
Government agencies are reportedly evaluating the security situation in Bangladesh following recent political demonstrations and advisory notices issued to Indian diplomats in Dhaka. - Player Workload Management:
Team management is keen to ensure Rohit and Kohli remain fresh for the physically demanding Test series against Australia, which could decide India’s WTC final qualification prospects. - Broadcast Priorities:
Broadcasters Star Sports and Sony reportedly indicated lower TRP expectations for an India-Bangladesh series immediately after the T20 World Cup peak viewership.
BCCI’s Current Stand
A senior BCCI official told media under anonymity:
“We want to honour commitments, but no tour is above safety and player welfare. Final decision will be taken after further consultation.”
Sources add that the National Cricket Academy (NCA) has been informed to prepare conditioning schedules for returning players in Bengaluru if the tour does not materialise.
Implications For Team India
- Younger Players Lose Opportunities:
The tour was likely to feature several second-string players, including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, and Mukesh Kumar, under a leadership combination of KL Rahul or Hardik Pandya. - Disrupted Preparation Plans:
India’s preparation calendar had been structured to integrate senior players gradually back into the fold post-T20 WC. This unexpected break may force BCCI to organise alternative intra-squad matches or practice games. - Financial Loss:
Bangladesh Cricket Board could lose an estimated $4 million in broadcasting and ticketing revenue if the tour gets shelved.
Proposed Bangladesh Series Fixtures (Now In Doubt)
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 18 | 1st ODI | Dhaka |
| July 20 | 2nd ODI | Chattogram |
| July 23 | 3rd ODI | Dhaka |
| July 25 | Only T20I | Dhaka |
Players’ Recent Breaks And Domestic Preparations
Both Rohit and Kohli are said to be spending time with family while maintaining base-level fitness at their respective training facilities in Mumbai and Gurgaon. Virat Kohli has also resumed gym sessions and net practice at his private academy.
Meanwhile, pacer Jasprit Bumrah has rejoined the NCA for workload assessments ahead of the Australia Tests.
Fan Reactions
The news has sparked disappointment among fans, with social media flooded with reactions:
- @cricfan_priya: “We want to see Rohit and Virat play. Their break is getting too long.”
- @analysis_ajay: “Better to skip meaningless ODIs. Australia Tests are priority.”
Former Cricketers’ Take
Sunil Gavaskar termed the advisory a “prudent call” if security is an issue. He added:
“Safety comes first. Players can always prepare through domestic games and practice sessions.”
Former India coach Ravi Shastri said:
“Missing the Bangladesh tour is not ideal, but senior players know how to get into match mode quickly.”
Possible Alternatives Being Considered
BCCI is evaluating:
- Organising a short preparatory camp in Bengaluru or Chennai with match simulations.
- Scheduling practice games with India A squad or Ranji select teams to build match readiness.
- Sending a second-string team if security clearance is partial, keeping seniors for Australia series.
India’s Upcoming International Fixtures
| Month | Series | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | Australia | 5 Tests | India |
| October | South Africa | 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs | SA |
| November | England | 5 T20Is | India |
With a packed WTC cycle and World T20 next year, BCCI’s management of player workload will remain under scrutiny.
Conclusion
The cancellation or postponement of the Bangladesh tour could disrupt India’s meticulous preparation plans, especially for stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning from breaks. However, with security and strategic priorities at stake, BCCI is expected to take a final call this week. Until then, the cricketing fraternity waits for clarity on when its batting legends will don the blue jersey next, as fans eagerly hope to see Rohit and Kohli back to build momentum for India’s tough calendar ahead.
