“Hardik Pandya Appointed T20I Captain Against Sri Lanka; New ODI Captain Named: Report”

Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20 internationals after leading India to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup, all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to take over the reins as the team’s captain for the shortest format of the game. Pandya’s leadership role comes on the heels of a stellar performance in the T20 World Cup, where he showcased his prowess both with bat and ball.

During the tournament, Pandya amassed 144 runs in six innings at an impressive average of 48.00 and a blistering strike rate of 151.57. His contributions included a half-century and a best score of 50 not out. Moreover, with the ball, Pandya proved equally effective, claiming 11 wickets in eight matches at an average of 17.36 and an economy rate of 7.64, with a best bowling figure of 3/20.

The T20 World Cup marked a significant redemption for Pandya, who faced criticism and trolling earlier in the year during IPL 2024. Taking over the captaincy of Mumbai Indians from the legendary Rohit Sharma, Pandya became a target of online scrutiny and fan backlash. His return to form and leadership success in the national team have silenced many critics.

In contrast, despite his stellar performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he scored 386 runs at an average of 77.20, KL Rahul was notably absent from India’s T20 World Cup squad. Known for his stability and match-winning capabilities, Rahul’s exclusion from the T20 setup raised eyebrows among cricket enthusiasts.

According to sources, KL Rahul has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading India in ODIs in the absence of Rohit Sharma. The decision reflects the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) confidence in Rahul’s ability to perform consistently in the longer format of the game.

In other major developments, former cricketer Gautam Gambhir has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team. Gambhir, renowned for his left-handed batting and strategic acumen, previously served as the mentor for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024, guiding them to their third IPL title.

Announcing Gambhir’s appointment, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah expressed full confidence in Gambhir’s leadership and vision for Indian cricket. Shah emphasized Gambhir’s extensive experience and understanding of modern-day cricket dynamics, making him well-suited to lead Team India into the future.

The coaching transition follows the conclusion of Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the head coach, culminating with India’s victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. India’s triumph in the tournament marked a significant milestone, ending a 17-year wait for the prestigious trophy.

Looking ahead, Hardik Pandya’s leadership in T20Is and KL Rahul’s captaincy in ODIs set the stage for a new era in Indian cricket, underpinned by strategic leadership and a commitment to sustained excellence on the global stage.