According to sources from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), there are considerations to provide a rest to Hardik Pandya, the T20 captain of India, during the upcoming three-match series against Ireland scheduled to commence on August 18. This measure is being taken as part of workload management, given the busy cricketing calendar ahead. The schedule includes important events such as the Asia Cup in September and the highly anticipated ODI World Cup 2023, which will take place in India during October and November.
Considering the upcoming global event, even Shubman Gill, who has become a regular selection in all three formats of cricket, might also be given a break.
Hardik Pandya, who is 29 years old, holds a crucial role in India’s ODI team due to his exceptional all-round abilities, which contribute to the team’s overall balance. Consequently, both the team management and the national selection panel are likely to handle his workload with great care and caution.
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“Nothing is finalised yet and it will also depend on how Hardik is feeling after the one-dayers and T20s in the West Indies. There is travelling involved and only a short turnaround of three days before one flies from Florida to Dublin.
“With World Cup being of primary importance, one has to factor in his workload. Let’s not forget he will be Rohit’s deputy in the World Cup,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.