IND vs SL: Hardik Pandya Is Expected To Captain Team India In Home T20I Series Against Sri Lanka: Reports

Published - 22 Dec 2022, 12:50 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

Hardik Pandya
Image Credits: Twitter

The next three-game series against Sri Lanka in January 2023 could mark the first time all-rounder Hardik Pandya captains Team India at home.

Rohit Sharma, whose injured thumb has prevented him from playing in the current Test series against Bangladesh, might not be available for the opening of the Indian domestic season.

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Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma. Pic Credits: Twitter.

As the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) mulls a divided captaincy strategy, Pandya has been seen as a serious contender to succeed Sharma in the shortest format. Sharma’s ability to bat has undoubtedly suffered as a result of the prospect of captaining the team in all formats.

During the Apex Council Meeting, it was apparently not brought up to discuss a prospective change in the T20I captaincy. An anonymous BCCI official who was informed of the development spoke to PTI:

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Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya (PC-Getty Images)

“The matter wasn’t even on the Apex Council agenda and it wasn’t discussed on the forum. Only the selection committee can take a call on the captaincy.”

This might be an ideal time for Hardik Pandya to get into the leadership:

In order to field a more capable team that can handle the rigors of the game, the BCCI is also mulling a significant overhaul of the T20I format, which would mostly entail phasing out the senior players.

Given that 35-year-old Sharma is unlikely to compete in the 2024 T20 World Cup, it might be the perfect time for Hardik Pandya to assume leadership responsibilities on a much more permanent basis, allowing him to assemble a team in time for the event.

Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya (PC-Getty Images)

The Wankhede Stadium will host the first Twenty20 International between India and Sri Lanka on January 3, 2023. The three-match series’ remaining two T20Is are scheduled to be played at Pune (January 5) and Rajkot (January 7).

Also Read: BCCI Is Considering Hosting The Inaugural WIPL 2023 Entirely In Mumbai

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Hardik Pandya India National Cricket Team Rohit Sharma Sri Lanka tour of India 2023