Hardik Pandya to skip ODI series against Sri Lanka for this reason; Rohit Sharma's successor as T20I captain still undecided: Report

All-rounder Hardik Pandya played a major role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in Barbados. Pandya was impressive throughout the tournament in all departments of the game but his best came in the slog overs of the final against South Africa. As the focus shifts to the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka as India start their preparation for ICC Champions Trophy 2025. But Pandya may be missing from the three-ODI series which will take place next month. 
 

As per a report by Indian Express, Pandya has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he will not pe part of the ODI series citing personal reasons. Meanwhile, the new head coach Gautam Gambhir has urged senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah to be available for the series as well. 
 

Who will be Rohit’s successor?

Meanwhile the BCCI is yet to name Rohit's successor as T20I captain. The T20 World Cup 2024-winning captain retired from T20Is on June 29. BCCI has zeroed in on two candidates for the captaincy. Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav have been considered for the role. 
 

“It is a delicate matter. There is an argument on both sides of the debate and thus everyone is not on the same page. Hardik’s fitness is an issue but he played a big role in breaking India’s ICC jinx. As for Suryakumar, we have received feedback from the team that his captaincy style was well received by the dressing room,” a BCCI source told the leading daily.

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Pandya, Suryakumar’s T20I captaincy record

Pandya who was vice-captain of the Indian side in T20 World Cup 2024 led the team after T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal exit in the absence of Rohit. Pandya led India in 16 T20Is. India won 10, lost five whereas one ended in a tie due to rain interruption. But an injury in the ODI World Cup 2023 sidelined him for months. During this period, Suryakumar was named captain. Under Suryakumar’s leadership, India won five out of seven games.

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The T20I series against Sri Lanka will start on July 27. The squad for the limited-overs series is expected to be announced this week. 
 

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