Shubman Gill has taken over from Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain of India’s T20I team. He will assist Suryakumar Yadav, who has been named the T20I captain for the Sri Lanka tour. The BCCI recently revealed India’s ODI and T20I squads for this tour.
Previously, Gill led the Indian team in a 5-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, securing a 4-1 victory in his debut as an international captain. Now, he will serve as the vice-captain in both the T20I and ODI formats for the Sri Lanka tour.
Hardik Pandya was the vice-captain when India won the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. His exceptional all-round performance was key to India’s success in the tournament. After Rohit Sharma retired from T20 cricket, Hardik was expected to be the next T20I captain.
However, he has been removed from the vice-captaincy role and is not included in the ODI squad for the Sri Lanka series, though he remains a part of the T20I team.
Shubman Gill Replaced Hardik Pandya as Vice Captain
On Thursday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared some important news about the Indian cricket team. They announced the new squads for upcoming matches and made some leadership changes. Suryakumar Yadav is now the captain of the T20 International (T20I) team, taking over from Rohit Sharma.
In another change, Shubman Gill has been appointed as the vice-captain, replacing Hardik Pandya. Shubman Gill will now be the vice-captain for both the One Day International (ODI) and T20I series against Sri Lanka. These changes are part of BCCI’s plan to bring fresh energy and leadership to the team.
Also Read: Hardik Pandya to Lead in T20Is, Skips ODIs for Personal Reasons
Suryakumar Yadav Named New T20I Captain
Hardik Pandya was widely expected to become India’s new captain after Rohit Sharma, especially following a stellar performance at the ICC T20 World Cup. Serving as Rohit’s deputy, Hardik was instrumental in India’s victory, notably defending 16 runs in the final over against South Africa to secure a seven-run win in the final.
With Rohit retiring from T20I cricket, many anticipated Hardik would take over as captain. He even replaced Rohit as the captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) before the T20 World Cup. However, with Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as head coach, Hardik was not considered for the captaincy.
Instead, Suryakumar Yadav, a former world no.1 batter and Hardik’s MI teammate, unexpectedly emerged as the new T20I captain for the Sri Lanka series.
Hardik Pandya to Miss Sri Lanka ODI Series
Hardik Pandya will be taking a break during the upcoming Sri Lanka ODI series. Shubman Gill has been appointed as the deputy captain following India’s 4-1 series victory over Zimbabwe, led by the top batsman. Gill led a second-string team coached by VVS Laxman in a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. He has been the second-highest run scorer in 50-over matches since early 2023.
Hardik, who missed out on the T20I captaincy for the Sri Lanka series, also lost his vice-captaincy to Gill. Due to personal reasons, Hardik will only participate as an all-rounder in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, skipping the ODI matches.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Confirmed as India’s Captain for Champions Trophy, WTC Final 2025
Shubman Gill Replaced Hardik Pandya as Vice Captain FAQs
Q.1. Who is the new vice-captain of India’s T20I team?
Ans. Shubman Gill has replaced Hardik Pandya as the vice-captain of India’s T20 International team.
Q.2. Who is the new captain of India’s T20I team for the Sri Lanka tour?
Ans. Suryakumar Yadav has been named the new captain of India’s T20I team for the Sri Lanka tour.
Q.3. Why did Hardik Pandya lose his vice-captaincy position?
Ans. Hardik Pandya lost his vice-captaincy position due to recent leadership changes in the Indian cricket team.
Q.4. Why is Hardik Pandya missing the Sri Lanka ODI series?
Ans. Hardik Pandya is taking a break from the Sri Lanka ODI series due to personal reasons.
Q.5. What role will Hardik Pandya play in the Sri Lanka tour?
Ans. Hardik Pandya will participate as an all-rounder in the T20I series against Sri Lanka but will miss the ODI matches.
