Hardik Pandya to Lead Team India in T20Is Against Sri Lanka

Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to lead India in the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Sri Lanka, commencing on July 27. This follows Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20 Internationals after the 2024 World Cup.

According to a senior BCCI source, Pandya, previously vice-captain under Rohit Sharma, is fully fit and available for the T20I series. However, Pandya will be absent from the subsequent three-match ODI series in August due to personal reasons, as communicated to regular skipper Rohit Sharma.

The T20I series will take place from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele, with ODIs scheduled from August 2 to 7 in Colombo. The squad announcement for the series is expected shortly.

While the deputy captaincy remains undecided, contenders include Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, both having captained India in recent series.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah emphasized the importance of domestic availability, urging even star players to participate in domestic engagements when free from national duty, except for Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, who will have discretionary availability.

The selection process for the Duleep Trophy will focus on Test team contenders, with the national selection committee responsible for team composition.