Hardik Pandya Takes Charge as India’s T20I Captain
In a strategic maneuver, Hardik Pandya, the dynamic all-rounder who played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph, is set to spearhead the national team in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The series is scheduled to kick off on July 27th, marking a new chapter in Pandya’s cricketing journey.
Strategic Break for Pandya in ODI Series
While Pandya embraces the T20I captaincy, he has opted to take a personal hiatus from the subsequent ODI series slated for August. A senior BCCI source confirmed Pandya’s availability and fitness for the T20I series, stating, “Hardik Pandya was India’s T20 vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T20I series and will lead the side.”
Potential Vice-Captaincy Candidates
The question of Pandya’s deputy remains unanswered, with Shubman Gill, fresh off a 4-1 series victory as captain against Zimbabwe, and Suryakumar Yadav, who led the team in last year’s T20Is against South Africa, being touted as potential candidates.
Pandya’s Absence in ODI Series Explained
Addressing Pandya’s absence from the ODI series, the official clarified, “The break from ODIs is for very personal reasons. Hardik doesn’t have any fitness issue as is being floated in the media.” With both Pandya and Rohit Sharma opting out of the ODI series, the captaincy mantle may fall upon either K L Rahul, who captained the last ODI series in South Africa, or the rising star Shubman Gill.
Series Schedule and Squad Announcement
The T20I series against Sri Lanka will be held from July 27th to 30th in Pallekele, followed by the ODI series from August 2nd to 7th in Colombo. The official squad announcement is expected in the coming days.
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