S Sreesanth Urges BCCI Selectors To Consider Kohli–Sooryavanshi Pair For Olympics 2028

Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth has suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) consider including senior batter Virat Kohli in the national squad for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as cricket prepares for its long-awaited return to the Games after more than a century. His remarks come amid growing discussion around how India could assemble its strongest possible team for the Olympic debut of the sport.

Cricket is set to feature in the Olympics for the first time since 1900, marking a historic return at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The tournament will include six teams each in the men’s and women’s categories, making qualification and squad selection highly competitive. The inclusion of cricket is part of a broader IOC-approved expansion that also features baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes), and squash.

Sreesanth argued that India’s Olympic ambitions should prioritize a blend of experience and emerging talent, especially given the country’s strong record in global limited-overs cricket, including multiple ODI and T20 World Cup titles. He said that a combination of established players and younger prospects could give India a competitive edge in pursuit of a historic Olympic gold medal.

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In a video discussion on a YouTube channel, Sreesanth specifically mentioned Kohli alongside young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, describing them as a potential pairing of experience and youth. He suggested that Kohli’s continued fitness and performance levels could still make him a valuable asset in T20 cricket, despite his retirement from the international T20 format after India’s 2024 World Cup triumph.

Kohli, widely regarded as one of the greatest modern batters, had stepped away from T20 internationals following India’s World Cup victory, closing a decorated chapter in his career. However, Sreesanth’s comments have reignited debate over whether senior players should be reconsidered for marquee global events like the Olympics, where experience could be a decisive factor.

Meanwhile, Vaibhav Suryavanshi has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in Indian cricket, reportedly finishing among the top performers in a recent IPL season with 776 runs and earning attention from selectors. His rapid rise has fueled conversations about India’s generational transition in white-ball cricket, particularly as the sport prepares for its Olympic return.

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