Big News: Suspense over as star player set to captain Team India in three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka

Not Hardik Pandya but Suryakumar Yadav is all set to lead Team India in the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. India and Sri Lanka are slated to play a three-match T20I series.

Abhijeet Kumar Singh

• Thu • 18 Jul 2024

Indian players in this frame. (X)

Highlights:

Suryakumar Yadav is set to lead India in the T20I series against Sri Lanka.

India and Sri Lanka are slated to play a three-match T20I series.

Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, in consultation with the BCCI, has decided to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as captain for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, the Indian Express report said. Rohit Sharma will retain his leadership role for the ODI series.

Suryakumar Yadav to lead India in T20I series against Sri Lanka

Reports were doing rounds that Suryakumar could be given the T20I captaincy. This decision comes as the selectors are cautious about appointing Hardik Pandya as captain due to his past struggles with fitness, despite his role as vice-captain during India's successful T20 World Cup campaign.

Suryakumar on trial, captaincy with an eye on the future

Sources privy to the development suggest the selection committee has informed the BCCI that Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy is not set in stone. His performance will be closely monitored, and the committee remains open to finding a replacement if he falls short of expectations. However, the long-term vision appears clear. The BCCI reportedly sees Suryakumar as a potential leader for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

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Pandya's captaincy ambitions addressed

While Hardik Pandya initially appeared to be the frontrunner for the T20I captaincy, the BCCI bosses and selectors reportedly held discussions with him. These discussions likely centered around the board's plans for the next two years and their ultimate decision to appoint Suryakumar.

Rohit-Virfat return for coach Gambhir's Debut

Star batsmen Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have reportedly agreed to participate in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka at the request of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. This will be Gambhir's first series at the helm, and the presence of these senior players is a strong show of support.

Pandya focuses on T20Is, Bumrah to be rested

Hardik Pandya will solely be focusing on the T20I series against Sri Lanka and won't be part of the ODI squad. Meanwhile, the selectors have decided to rest ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, giving him a break for the short series. Rising star Rishabh Pant, however, will be included in both the ODI and T20I teams.

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Fresh Faces Get a Look-In

The selection committee is looking to experiment and identify future talent. Reports suggest that Rajasthan Royals batsman Riyan Parag has impressed with his batting and bowling abilities, making him a potential candidate for both the ODI and T20I squads. This could lead to Suryakumar Yadav being excluded from the ODIs, while young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal might also be limited to the T20I series.

Iyer's return paves the way for contract and Dubey earns a shot

Shreyas Iyer, a member of India's last World Cup squad, is set for a comeback in the ODI team. Earlier this year, the BCCI excluded him from their annual contract due to disciplinary issues. However, his return to international cricket paves the way for a potential reinstatement in the BCCI's annual contract list. Meanwhile, with Hardik Pandya unavailable for the ODIs, Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dubey is likely to be included in both the ODI and T20I squads. This is a great opportunity for Dubey to showcase his skills and potentially solidify his place in the national team.