During the Zimbabwe tour, the young Indian team was led by Shubman Gill. There are many questions regarding who will captain Team India in the T20 format for the Sri Lanka tour. With Rohit Sharma having retired from this format, Indian cricket appears to be in a dilemma regarding captaincy once again.
Should the vice-captain Hardik Pandya be given the hot seat, or should Suryakumar Yadav be handed the leadership reins? India will play three T20 matches against Sri Lanka at the end of this month, which will be the first series for the new coach and former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir. After the T20 matches, India will also play three ODIs.
After playing a crucial role in India’s title victory against South Africa in Barbados, Pandya is seen as a suitable option to take Rohit’s place. However, a significant development regarding Pandya has come to light; his questionable fitness record has brought Suryakumar’s name to the forefront.
According to an Indian Express report, Pandya has informed the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) that he will not be part of the ODI team for the Sri Lanka tour due to personal reasons. The Indian team will play three ODIs against Sri Lanka from August 2 to August 7.
The report also mentioned that Gambhir has requested all senior players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, to play the three ODIs against Sri Lanka. The players have not yet responded as Rohit and Kohli are on a break and traveling abroad with their families.
A BCCI source said, “Hardik’s fitness is an issue, but he played a significant role in the T20 World Cup 2024. Regarding Suryakumar, we have received feedback from the team that his leadership style is well-accepted in the dressing room.”
Suryakumar Yadav had surgery
Interestingly, Suryakumar also underwent hernia and ankle surgery earlier this year and returned to play for Mumbai Indians during the March-May IPL. Decision-makers within the board felt that Pandya could be a better option to lead the Indian team, considering he was appointed the vice-captain during the World Cup. Gambhir’s vote will be crucial for BCCI officials and selectors in making a decision about Rohit’s replacement.
India-Sri Lanka Schedule:
- July 27: 1st T20, Pallekele
- July 28: 2nd T20, Pallekele
- July 30: 3rd T20, Pallekele
- August 2: 1st ODI, Colombo
- August 4: 2nd ODI, Colombo
- August 7: 3rd ODI, Colombo