Hardik Pandya is likely to lead the Indian team in the two-match T20I series against Ireland later this month. While the Test side will be in England to prepare for the final Test, the white-ball team will be touring Ireland.

Rishabh Pant, who is currently leading India in the five-match T20I series against South Africa, will also join the Test squad along with Shreyas Iyer after the completion of the series on June 19.

"While there is Dinesh Karthik, who is the senior-most player in the squad along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, it was Hardik, who was Pant's designated deputy and hence favourite to lead," a BCCI official told PTI.

Hardik had recently led Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 title in his very first season as captain of the franchise, impressing one and all with his leadership. The all-rounder is back to full fitness and has played couple of handy cameos for India after making a comeback for the national side.

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No major changes are expected to the T20I squad that's currently in action against South Africa. VVS Laxman will take over the coaching duties for the short trip with the two T20Is scheduled for June 26 and 28 at Malahide.

(With PTI inputs)