Sports news: Cricket Updates: Kohli, Rohit Rest; Jaiswal, Samson Return; Jay Shah Eyes ICC Chair

It is likely that Indian captain Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli will sit out of the ODI series against Sri Lanka later this year because they want to rest their batteries ahead of a busy home Test season. Fast bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya or vice-captain KL Rahul will lead the side. The reasons given by these two experienced players are for a break from the hectic schedule that has kept them in continuous action since the IPL. They will favour Tests, where, between now and January, India have 10 on their calendar, which includes series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia.

The Shubman Gill-led Indian cricket team leveled the T20I series against Zimbabwe with a 100-run victory in the second match. Following up on the disappointing performance in the first T20I, India posted 234 runs in the second. India would be strengthened by the return of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube from the T20 World Cup-winning squad for the remaining three matches. They replace B Sai Sudharsan, Harshit Rana and Jitesh Sharma. The last three T20Is will take place at the Harare Sports Club on July 10, 13 and 14.

The ICC election for its next chairman is due November; the incumbent Greg Barclay is eligible for a re-contest. Entered in this fray are prospects of BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who will be the youngest-ever chairman if he contests and wins chairmanship. July is likely to formally roll out the election timeline at the ICC's annual conference in Colombo. Shah, though associated with cricket management since 2009—has not confirmed his candidature—but he expressed his desire to bring changes to the ICC''s functioning. Tenure of the new chairman is for three years—renumerable once. Sunil Gavaskar lauds Shah's contributions to Indian cricket.

India hopes for better bowling and favorable weather conditions in the final women's T20I, as they look to level the contest against South Africa after the second game was washed out. India has been trailing 0-1 since the first match was lost by 12 runs. However, Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, and others turned out good batting performances in this series, though Indian bowlers were at the wrong end against the strong batting lineup of South Africa. Only Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma proved to be potent bowlers. Rain was forecast, so India's chances are now pegged on the weather and a better bowling effort.

James Anderson will bring the curtain down on his glittering international career at Lord's, where he made his debut in 2003. Having taken 700 wickets from 187 Tests—the highest by a fast bowler in Test cricket history—Anderson wants to keep his mind on the performance so he does not get emotional. Looking back, he hopes he can help England win in his last game. This time last year, Stuart Broad ended his career on a high, making vital contributions; however, Anderson is eyeing just performing well and celebrating emphatically afterward with the mates.

Abhishek Sharma came out firing in the second T20I against hosts Zimbabwe, with a 47-ball scorcher of 100—seven fours and eight sixes. This earned him the Man of the Match when he made a disappointed debut, leaving India banking on the effort to trounce the hosts by 100 runs and level the series. Abhishek revealed that none other than Yuvraj Singh, who asked him in a post-match video call all good things about him, was his guiding force for this successful comeback both on and off the field.

The Indian men's hockey team left for Switzerland for an intense training camp with explorer Mike Horn – known for his extreme adventures. They will then head to the Netherlands for practice matches before heaading off to Paris for the Olympics. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh said mental strength and preparation would be key for their Olympic campaign, which won't be easy with matches against New Zealand, Argentina, Ireland, Belgium, and Australia in Pool B, commencing on July 27.

Chelsea, under the new manager Enzo Maresca, has prioritized a midfield overhaul in this summer window, with the probable addition of a striker. They have developed serious interest in the case of 20-year-old Spanish forward Samu Omorodion, who is on loan at Deportivo Alaves from Atletico Madrid. All negotiations with Atlético Madrid are very well advanced, but the problem is that the club wants a lot of money. Meanwhile, Chelsea may now turn to Christopher Nkunku as an option up front in preseason, claims transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.