Hardik Pandya can still edge out Suryakumar Yadav for India T20I captaincy if...

Newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir is expected to make significant changes to the T20I side in preparation for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Gautam Gambhir is reportedly not interested in making all-rounder Hardik Pandya the full-time T20I captain for Team India.

Rahul Dravid guided the Men in Blue to the T20 World Cup 2024 victory in his last assignment as Team India's head coach. Rohit Sharma led the winning campaign with Hardik Pandya as his deputy. Rohit announced his retirement from T20I cricket following the Indian cricket team's World Cup win in Barbados on June 29.

Hardik was the front-runner to replace Rohit Sharma as India's T20I skipper. However, recent news reports suggest that Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as the leading candidate to lead the Indian T20I side in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to commence on July 27.

Selection Committee And Gautam Gambhir Leaning Towards Suryakumar Yadav

Gautam Gambhir is reportedly favoring Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya for the role of India's full-time T20I captain. Gambhir and the selection committee discussed with Hardik and Suryakumar on Tuesday, explaining the need for a stable, long-term captain.

The Times of India reported that the BCCI is seeking stability in leadership and has concerns about Hardik Pandya’s consistent availability. The head coach and selection committee are uncertain about Hardik's availability in every series that India plays before the next T20 World Cup in 2026.

"Hardik was the natural successor of Rohit Sharma since he has been the vice-captain. But the selection committee and Gambhir are leaning towards Surya. The argument is the uncertainty over Hardik's availability in every series that India plays. They want a stable captain going forward with the T20 World Cup in 2026," a BCCI source told the paper.

The report further added that Hardik Pandya still has a chance to retain the T20I captaincy if he can convince coach Gambhir and the selectors of his consistent availability. The final decision on captaincy will be taken in the selection meeting based on Hardik’s availability.

"The coach and selectors spoke to both players on Tuesday evening. The scenario had to be made clear. It will be up to Hardik to reassure the management about his availability. A final call will be taken in the selection meeting soon," the source explained.

The star all-rounder had a successful stint with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL, leading them to the title in 2022, followed by a runner-up finish in the next season. However, the Mumbai Indians (MI) finished at the bottom of the table in the IPL 2024 under his leadership. He has captained India in 16 T20Is, with 10 wins and one tie, and has led in three ODIs.

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