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With the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sending a new-look squad to Zimbabwe for a five-match T20I series, the action will now shift to the limited-over tour of Sri Lanka, which is set to commence from July 27. India’s tour of Sri Lanka, which will take place from July 27 till August 7, will see the two teams lock horns in three T20Is and as many ODIs.
But as the BCCI still ponders on the names for the Indian squad for the upcoming tour, a new report reveals that Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has informed BCCI that he won’t be able to take part in the ODIs. However, concrete details around the same is still awaited, according to Express Sports, Hardik has cited personal reasons.
BCCI mulls on Rohit Sharma’s replacement as T20I captain
With Rohit Sharma calling down curtains to his T20I career after India’s triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024, the biggest question which currently looms over the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the selection committee is, who will lead India in the shortest format. However, Hardik Pandya comes as an easy option after he served as Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2024, it could also be KL Rahul or even Suryakumar Yadav.
However, the decision is likely to come ahead of the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Although, Hardik comes as an obvious choice, the BCCI suspects fitness concerns, keeping doors open for KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav. “It is a delicate matter. There is an argument on both sides of the debate and thus everyone is not on the same page. Hardik’s fitness is an issue, but he played a big role in breaking India’s ICC jinx,” a BCCI source said as quoted by The Indian Express.
“As for Suryakumar, we have received feedback from the team that his captaincy style was well received by the dressing room,” the source further added.
Moreover, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will miss on the Sri Lanka tour after the duo requested the BCCI for an extended break after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph in USA and Barbados. Jasprit Bumrah is also set to be rested for the upcoming tour.
