Hardik Pandya, India's New T20 Captain:
Renowned all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to lead India in the forthcoming three-match T20 international series against Sri Lanka, starting July 27. One of the heroes of India's T20 World Cup victory, Pandya has decided to take a personal break from the one-day series in August.
A senior BCCI source, on the condition of anonymity, informed PTI, 'Hardik Pandya served as the vice-captain to Rohit Sharma for the T20 team. Fully fit, he is available for the three-match international series and will helm the team.'
With Rohit Sharma retiring from T20 internationals at the end of the World Cup, it was speculative who would take over the captaincy in the format. The T20 international matches against Sri Lanka are scheduled to take place from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, followed by one-day matches in Colombo from August 2 to 7.
The announcement of the squad for this series is expected shortly. It remains unclear who will step in as the vice-captain in Pandya's place, but there is competition between Shubman Gill, who recently led India to a 4-1 series win against Zimbabwe, and Suryakumar Yadav, who captained the side in T20 international matches against South Africa last year.
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Source: aajtak
Hardik Pandya Requests One-Day Series Break
Conforming to BCCI officials, Pandya asked for time off and has informed regular captain Rohit Sharma, who is also taking a break from this series. According to the official, the reason for the break is strictly personal. Contrary to media reports, Pandya has no fitness issues.
KL Rahul, a Contender for ODI Captaincy
For the one-day series, KL Rahul – who captained the last series in South Africa – is seen as a contender for captaincy alongside Shubman Gill. The team selection process will be pivotal to watch.
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah made it clear that all star cricketers, even if not playing international cricket, must participate in domestic matches. Special allowances have been made for Rohit, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah. The BCCI expects all other test specialists to play at least one match in the Duleep Trophy in August, as the team will then head to series against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
India-Sri Lanka Schedule
27 July- First T20, Pallekele 28 July- Second T20, Pallekele 30 July- Third T20, Pallekele 2 August- First ODI, Colombo 4 August- Second ODI, Colombo 7 August- Third ODi, Colombo
