The three-match T20 International series between India and Sri Lanka begins on July 27. The talented all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to captain the Indian team. One of the stars of India’s success in the T20 World Cup last month, though, has announced that he will take a vacation for “personal reasons” during the three-match ODI series in August.
Under Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya led India’s T20 team as deputy captain. He will captain the team and is fully healthy for the three-match T20I series, a top BCCI source told PTI under anonymity.
Following the World Cup, Rohit announced his retirement from T20 Internationals.
The ODIs versus Sri Lanka will take place in Colombo from August 2 to 7, after the T20Is against them from July 27 to 30 in Pallekele. In the coming days, the series roster is anticipated to be revealed.
The choice between Shubman Gill, who recently led India to a 4-1 series victory over Zimbabwe, and Suryakumar Yadav, who captained the team during the Twenty20 Internationals against South Africa last year, is still up in the air. Pandya’s deputy is yet to be determined.
Regarding the ODIs, the official verified that Pandya had requested a leave of absence and had informed regular captain Rohit Sharma, who is also taking a vacation from this series, of his request.
For the ODIs, KL Rahul, who led in the last ODI series in South Africa, and Gill are in contention for the leadership role.
Emphasis on domestic accessibility
BCCI secretary Jay Shah has made it clear that even star cricketers must make themselves available for domestic engagements when they are free from national duty. But exceptions will be made for the likes of Rohit, Virat Kohli and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
The BCCI would, however, want all the other Test specialists to play at least one if not a couple of Duleep Trophy games in August as a precursor to the Tests against Bangladesh and New Zealand.
“This time there is no zonal selection committee for Duleep Trophy. Only national selection committee will pick Duleep teams.
“All Test team contenders will be picked. For Rohit, Virat and Bumrah, it will be their choice if they want to play or not,” the source added.