New Delhi: After scripting history by winning the T20 World Cup 2024 title in the Caribbean, India are set to usher into a new era under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid as head coach after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup and will begin his stint with India’s upcoming limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka. The tour will consist of a three-match T20I series and as many ODIs.
As per a report in News18, head coach Gambhir is likely to meet the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel in Mumbai on Tuesday, July 16 and the squads for both the T20I and the ODI series will be announced later in the day. There are plenty of selection headaches to address for both Gambhir and the selectors as some of the senior players are expected to return after getting well-deserved rest post the T20 World Cup.
Hardik Pandya or Suryakumar Yadav – Who will lead in T20Is?
Hardik Pandya and Suraykumar Yadav are reportedly in the fray to replace Rohit as India’s next captain in T20Is. Rohit announced his retirement from the shortest format after leading India to glory in the T20 World Cup 2024. Hardik played an instrumental role in helping India win the World Cup and has significant experience behind his back as captain.
He has always been the first choice to replace Rohit as captain in T20Is, however, his poor injury record has ensured Suryakumar’s entry into the mix. Suryakumar too led India in 7 T20Is last year and has been a consistent performer in the team. It remains to be seen who will get the nod from the selectors and coach Gambhir to lead in the shortest format.
Hardik is also reportedly set to miss the ODI series against Sri Lanka and will only feature in T20Is. He has reportedly asked for rest from the ODIs citing personal reasons.
Who will open in T20Is?
In the absence of Rohit, India will also have to figure out their first-choice opening pair in T20Is going forward. Shubman Gill opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the last three T20Is against Zimbabwe in the recently concluded series and the pair might be retained for the Sri Lanka T20Is. Abhishek Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad are also contenders for the opening slot.
While Abhishek can make the cut as the third opener in the squad, Gaikwad might have to miss out. With Suryakumar set to return, the team management will find it difficult to slot Gaikwad into the playing XI. However, Gaikwad did well batting at no.3 and 4 in the Zimbabwe series and it remains to be seen if he can get the nod as a middle-order batter.
Extended rest for Rishabh Pant?
Rishabh Pant might be given extended rest with Sanju Samson retaining his place in the T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series. Dhruv Jurel might pip Jitesh Sharma once again for the second wicket-keeper’s slot.
Kuldeep, Arshdeep to return?
While Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be rested from the T20I series, Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav might return to the side. Both players featured in the T20 World Cup 2024 and played an important role in India’s memorable triumph. Arshdeep is likely to spearhead the pace attack in Bumrah’s absence while Kuldeep will be the lead spinner.
Will Kohli and Rohit play in ODI series?
Head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly wants all three of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah to play in the ODI series against Sri Lanka to test his best team. However, it is not confirmed if Rohit and Kohli will feature in the series. Both Kohli and Rohit are currently on vacation after the T20 World Cup 2024.
India squad for Sri Lanka tour is likely to be announced on Tuesday. Hardik Pandya is reportedly set to skip the ODI series and is in contention to lead India in T20Is. It also remains to be seen who will be the first-choice opening pair in the shortest format. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
