Top Indian batter likely to pip Hardik Pandya to become T20I captain

Top-order batter Suryakumar Yadav is likely to be appointed as the T20I captain of India ahead of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, as reported by Indian media on Tuesday.

The reports emerged after regular captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20I cricket after leading the side to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph.

Pandya, who served as the vice-captain during the tournament under Sharma, was initially slated to take the long-term role as the captain of the shorter format.

However, Pandya’s fitness and workload management, along with the newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir’s preference, has led to Suryakumar Yadav’s emergence as the front-runner for the captaincy.

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Yadav led India in the five-match home series against Australia last year, leading the side to a 4-1 victory. His second series as captain was against South Africa in December last year, which was tied 1-1.

Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar reportedly discussed their plan with Pandya and explained the reasoning behind the decision.

“Hardik Pandya was India’s T20 vice-captain under Rohit Sharma. He is completely fit and available for the three-match T20I series and was supposed to lead the side but there is a very strong feeling that SKY [Suryakumar Yadav] would be the potential leader not only for the Sri Lanka series but till the 2026 World Cup,” a senior BCCI source said.

India will tour Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI and T20I series. The upcoming white-ball tour will mark Gambhir’s first assignment after being appointed as India’s head coach, preceding Rahul Dravid, who stepped down after the T20 World Cup 2024 glory.

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