Hardik Pandya, the star all-rounder, is set to lead India in the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka starting on July 27. However, one of the key players from India’s victorious T20 World Cup squad will be taking a break during the subsequent three-match ODI series in August due to personal reasons. A senior BCCI source, speaking anonymously to PTI, confirmed that Pandya, fully fit and available, will captain the T20I side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who recently retired from T20 Internationals.
The T20Is against Sri Lanka are scheduled to take place from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, followed by the ODIs from August 2 to 7 in Colombo. The squad for the series is expected to be announced soon.
While the deputy for Pandya is yet to be determined, potential candidates include Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav. Kl Rahul and Gill are in the running for the leadership role in the ODI series.
Regarding Pandya’s break from ODIs, the official clarified that it is due to personal reasons and not fitness-related, as speculated in the media. In line with BCCI’s emphasis on domestic availability, Secretary Jay Shah expects star players to participate in domestic engagements when not on national duty, with exceptions granted to players like Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah.
The BCCI is keen on Test specialists playing Duleep Trophy games in August as preparation for upcoming Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand. The selection committee will pick the Duleep teams, with Test team contenders being considered for selection.
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