(Source X)
Later this month, Team India will make their comeback to the field with an upcoming series against Sri Lanka, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs. This series marks their return to action following their recent T20 World Cup triumph.
After a brief hiatus post their T20 World Cup victory, many of India’s key players are gearing up to rejoin the squad for the Sri Lanka tour. This series holds special significance as it will also introduce a new era in Indian cricket, with the appointment of a new permanent T20I captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format. Reports suggest that Hardik Pandya, the dynamic all-rounder who served as vice-captain during the T20 World Cup, is poised to take over the reins.
Earlier this month, a makeshift Indian squad, led by Shubman Gill, faced Zimbabwe in a five-match T20I series, marking a transitional phase as the team prepares for the challenges ahead. The upcoming matches against Sri Lanka promise to be an exciting start to India’s journey in T20Is under new leadership, setting the stage for what’s to come in this vibrant format of the game.
“Hardik Pandya was India’s T20 vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T201 series and will lead the side,” a senior BCCI source was quoted by PTI as saying.
Shubman Gill is in contention.
Shubman Gill is being considered for leadership roles on the upcoming tour. According to reports, either Gill or Suryakumar Yadav might be appointed as the vice-captain of the T20I squad. Gill’s recent experience includes leading India to a decisive 4-1 series victory over Zimbabwe, where he also emerged as the top run-scorer.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav, currently the highest-ranked Indian T20I batsman, previously captained the T20I team in the absence of Pandya due to injury last year.
Furthermore, there’s speculation that Gill could be entrusted with leading the ODI squad during the upcoming series. With Captain Rohit Sharma scheduled for rest, selectors are tasked with naming a replacement for the ODI lineup. Notably, Pandya has opted for a break from the ODI series and won’t be considered for leadership responsibilities in the 50-over format.
Recent reports had suggested that KL Rahul was the frontrunner for the ODI captaincy. However, according to PTI, Gill is also under consideration for the role of captaincy in ODIs.
