Hardik Pandya To Return In IPL 2024; Likely To Be Sacked As ODI Vice-Captain: Reports
Published - 22 Nov 2023, 10:55 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:22 AM
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is reportedly expected to return to action during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). As per reports, the selectors are considering grooming a captain for ODIs, considering Hardik Pandya’s susceptibility to injuries.
The Indian vice-captain suffered an injury during the match against Bangladesh in the recent ICC World Cup 2023. He was then ruled out of the World Cup and will also not be part of the five-match T20I series against Australia, which is set to commence on November 23.
Selectors May Look For Options In ODIs – The Source
According to the Times of India report, Rohit Sharma is likely to focus on Test cricket for the upcoming World Test Championship cycle until 2025. The source indicates that selectors might explore alternative options for ODIs due to Hardik’s injury-proneness.
“As of now, it seems Rohit will be focusing a lot of his energy on the Test format for the next cycle of World Test Championship which runs till 2025. Grooming a captain for the longer formats is a key part of the agenda. With Hardik Pandya prone to injuries, selectors may look for options in ODIs,” the source claimed.
Hardik Pandya Set Return To Action During IPL 2024
The Baroda-born cricketer was set to lead the team against Australia in the T20I series. However, Pandya is still recovering from the ankle injury and is expected to be out of action for at least two months. Hardik is unlikely to be a match-fit by the end of January next year.
The Men in Blue will start their preparations for the T20 World Cup with the upcoming T20I series. After the Australia series, India will be on an all-format tour of South Africa. India will next face Afghanistan in a three-match T20I series at home in January. Following that they will be involved in a 5-match Test series against England, which will conclude in March. Meanwhile, the all-rounder is set to return to action during the IPL 2024, where he will lead the Gujarat Titans.
Australia T20I Tour of India Schedule
November 23: First T20, Vishakhapatnam
November 26: Second T20, Thiruvananthapuram
November 28: Third T20, Guwahati
December 1: Fourth T20, Nagpur
December 3: Fifth T20, Hyderabad
India squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ruturaj Gaikwad (vc), Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Shivam Dubey, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.
Also read: “Let’s Bring The Cup Home” – Hardik Pandya Shares Heartfelt Message Ahead Of World Cup Final
