(Source X)
The selection meeting to finalize Team India’s squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour has been delayed for at least one more day. Originally scheduled for Wednesday (July 17), the meeting has been postponed, with indications pointing towards a rescheduling for Thursday, as reported by Amol Karhadkar of The Hindu. Alongside this delay, the BCCI is expected to announce the squads on the same day.
In place of the selection meeting on Wednesday, an introductory session took place, which included the newly-appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir, members of the selection committee, and BCCI secretary Jay Shah. This meeting, convened by Shah according to Cricbuzz, served as a preliminary gathering ahead of the rescheduled selection meeting.
The online meeting extended for over an hour, where Gautam Gambhir actively shared his insights with the selectors regarding the preferred composition of the team. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting Rohit Sharma might sit out, indications now suggest he could participate in the ODI series, crucial with few opportunities before next year’s Champions Trophy. However, if the experienced batsman opts for rest, KL Rahul appears set to take charge in Sri Lanka.
In the realm of T20Is, the selectors are poised for a potentially impactful decision. While Hardik Pandya seems poised to succeed Rohit as the permanent T20I captain, recent developments hint at Suryakumar Yadav emerging as a formidable alternative. Pandya’s commendable performance as vice-captain in the recent T20 World Cup notwithstanding, concerns over his fitness might sway selectors toward entrusting Suryakumar with the T20I leadership role.
India’s tour of Sri Lanka 2024
Meanwhile, Team India is set to engage in a series of three ODIs and an equal number of T20Is against Sri Lanka, commencing later this month. Departing on July 22, the Indian team will embark on their journey to Sri Lanka, with the T20I series slated to kick off on July 27 at Pallekele.
Conversely, the ODIs are scheduled to commence on August 2, taking place exclusively in Colombo as part of the three-match series.
