Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to captain India in the three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka starting on July 27. He will, however, miss the three-match ODI series in August due to personal reasons, despite being one of the key players in India’s recent T20 World Cup win.
A senior BCCI official confirmed anonymously to PTI that Hardik Pandya, previously the T20 vice-captain under Rohit Sharma, is fully fit and ready to lead the team in the T20I series.
Rohit Sharma retired from T20 Internationals after the World Cup.
Hardik Pandya to Captain India in T20 Series
Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is ready to lead India in the three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka, starting on July 27. This series marks an important leadership role for Pandya, showcasing his skills and strategic capabilities on the field.
Despite being a key player in India’s recent T20 World Cup victory, Pandya will be taking a break during the three-match ODI series scheduled in August. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cited “personal reasons” for his absence in these matches, allowing him some time off from the intense cricket schedule.
“Hardik Pandya, who served as India’s T20 vice-captain under Rohit Sharma, is in excellent physical condition and fully prepared to lead the team in the T20I series,” stated a senior BCCI official to PTI, speaking on the condition of anonymity. This statement underscores the confidence the board has in Pandya’s leadership and fitness.
Rohit Sharma, who played a pivotal role in India’s T20 setup, has retired from T20 Internationals following the World Cup. His retirement marks the end of an era and opens up new opportunities for players like Pandya to step up and take on more significant responsibilities in the team.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Enjoys Wimbledon 2024 After T20 World Cup Victory
India’s Cricket Schedule Against Sri Lanka
The T20 matches against Sri Lanka are scheduled from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, followed by the ODIs from August 2 to 7 in Colombo. The Indian cricket team is expected to announce the squad for these series in the next few days.
There is still some uncertainty about who will be Hardik Pandya’s deputy for these matches. The decision is between Shubman Gill, who recently captained India to a 4-1 series victory over Zimbabwe, and Suryakumar Yadav, who led the team during the T20Is against South Africa last year.
Regarding the ODIs, an official confirmed that Pandya has requested leave for personal reasons and has already communicated this to regular captain Rohit Sharma, who is also taking a break from this series.
“The break from ODIs is for very personal reasons. Hardik doesn’t have any fitness issues, despite what some media reports have suggested,” the official said.
For the ODI captaincy, KL Rahul, who led the team in the last ODI series in South Africa, and Shubman Gill are the top contenders. The final decision on the leadership roles for both formats will be made soon.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya Becomes No. 1 T20I All-Rounder After World Cup Success
Hardik Pandya to Captain India in T20 Series FAQs
Q.1. Who is captaining India in the T20 series against Sri Lanka?
Ans. Hardik Pandya is set to captain India in the T20 series against Sri Lanka starting on July 27.
Q.2. Why is Hardik Pandya missing the ODI series in August?
Ans. Hardik Pandya will miss the ODI series in August due to personal reasons.
Q.3. When are the T20 matches against Sri Lanka scheduled?
Ans. The T20 matches against Sri Lanka are scheduled from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele.
Q.4. Who are the potential deputies for Hardik Pandya in the T20 series?
Ans. Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav are the top contenders to be Hardik Pandya’s deputy in the T20 series.
Q.5. What role did Rohit Sharma play before retiring from T20 Internationals?
Ans. Rohit Sharma was the T20 captain before retiring from T20 Internationals following the World Cup.
