Rohit Sharma to lead side in absence of rested Virat Kohli as India name T20 squad for tri-series

Regular captain Kohli will miss the series in Sri Lanka as selectors say they have 'kept in mind the workload'.

Rohit Sharma, left, will lead India in the upcoming tri-series as captain Virat Kohli is given a rest. Themba Hadebe / AP Photo

Opener Rohit Sharma will lead a young India side in next month's Twenty20 tri-series in Sri Lanka in the absence of regular captain Virat Kohli who has been rested, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) said on Sunday.

Kohli missed Saturday's final Twenty20 against South Africa in Cape Town with a stiff back as India won the three-match series 2-1 which followed their 5-1 triumph in the ODIs against the Proteas.

Former captain MS Dhoni was also rested, which allowed Delhi's Rishabh Pant to join the squad as the second wicketkeeper, along with Dinesh Karthik.

The selectors also decided to leave out the pace duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah and named a largely young 15-member squad for the Nidahas Trophy, which also features Bangladesh, beginning on Mar. 6 in Colombo.

"We've kept in mind the workload and upcoming schedule while finalising the team for Nidahas Trophy," selection committee chairman MSK Prasad said in a statement.

"The high-performance team has suggested that adequate rest should be given to our fast bowlers to help improve athletic performance, maximise rest and prevent injury."

Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and all-rounder Hardik Pandya were also allowed a break following the tour of South Africa.

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