Will Hardik Pandya Lead Team India Soon?
The three-match T20 International series between India and Sri Lanka begins on July 27. The talented all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to captain the Indian team.
One of the stars of India’s success in the T20 World Cup last month, though, has announced that he will take a vacation for “personal reasons” during the three-match ODI series in August.
“Hardik Pandya was India’s T2O vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T20I series and will lead the side,” a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
When the World Cup was over, Rohit announced his retirement from T20 Internationals.
After the ODIs in Colombo from August 2 to 7, the T20Is versus Sri Lanka will take place in Pallekele from July 27 to 30. It is anticipated that the series roster will be revealed in the coming days.
The choice between Shubman Gill, who recently led India to a 4-1 series victory over Zimbabwe, and Suryakumar Yadav, who captained the team during the Twenty20 Internationals against South Africa last year, is still up in the air. Pandya’s deputy is yet to be determined.
Regarding the ODIs, the official verified that Pandya had requested a leave of absence and had informed regular captain Rohit Sharma, who is also taking a vacation from this series, of his request.
“The break from ODIs is for very personal reasons. Hardik doesn’t have any fitness issue as is being floated in the media,” the official said.
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Gill and KL Rahul, who took the lead in the most recent ODI series in South Africa, are contenders for the captaincy in the ODIs.
Even elite cricket players ought to make themselves available for domestic engagements when they are not on national duty, according to BCCI secretary Jay Shah. However, there will be an exception made for players like Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit, and Virat Kohli.
However, in order to prepare for the Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand in August, the BCCI would like all the other Test specialists to participate in at least one, if not more, Duleep Trophy matches.
“This time there is no zonal selection committee for Duleep Trophy. Only national selection committee will pick Duleep teams.
“All Test team contenders will be picked. For Rohit, Virat and Bumrah, it will be their choice if they want to play or not,” the source added.
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